The Bureau of Sanitation is looking for the location of storm drain grates that they can upgrade to a design more friendly to bicycle tires. The current effort will help Sanitation to find locations that are the highest priority by bicyclists for replacement. The grate above on the left is an older design, while the right shows the new bicycle-safe one. Cross-hatching prevents tires from getting caught.

We need your help in finding grates that are the highest priority for replacement. If you see a grate that needs to be upgraded, please let us know the nearest intersection and what side of the street it is located on. For instance, a good description would be: “on the northbound side of Figueroa as it approaches 7th Street.” If possible, please include a photo of the grate in question.

Unfortunately, we cannot improve grates outside the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles, so please be sure the grate you are submitting is actually in City limits.

There are plenty of ways for you to let us know what grates need upgrading.

You can email us: ladotbikeblog+stormdrain@gmail.com

You can tweet at us: @LADOTBikeProg

You can Facebook us: LADOTBikeProgram

Remember to include the nearest intersection, direction of travel, and a photo if possible.

The Bicycle Program will compile a list of grates that need upgrading and we’ll share that information with the Bureau of Sanitation so they can install new grates as funds become available.

With your help, we can make a safer Los Angeles for bicyclists.