Councilmembers Liu and Go Introduce Memo Supporting Leading Pedestrian Intervals
IRVINE, CA— Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu of District 1, alongside Councilmember William Go of District 2, submitted a joint Memo requesting further implementation of Leading Pedestrian Intervals within the City of Irvine. This item was discussed on the dais at the March 25th, 2025, City Council Meeting, with a 6-0 vote by Councilmembers in support.
Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) were implemented to allow pedestrians to enter an intersection a few seconds before cars going in the parallel direction so pedestrians are visible to drivers. Research has demonstrated that LPIs reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions by as much as 59%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 16% of pedestrian fatalities happen at intersections nationwide.
Since the City is home to Irvine and Tustin Unified School District campuses, child care facilities, after-school programs, senior centers, medical centers, shopping centers, and areas of high pedestrian traffic, providing residents with safe and accessible routes to walk is a crucial pillar in protecting the safety of all. Various intersections within the City, including Portola Parkway and Yale Avenue, are a concern following excessive driving speeds and distracted driver actions. Therefore, LPIs are needed to ensure traffic safety.
Following feedback from residents over ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety in Irvine, Councilmember Liu and Go’s introduction of the Memo focuses on identifying additional intersection candidates across the City with high pedestrian traffic and other vulnerable locations to participate in the LPI program.
Since 2016, the City’s Department of Public Works has processed the LPI Pilot Program on a case-by-case basis on the grounds of the volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and additional variables for consideration. Today, Irvine has 25 active participating LPI intersections, showcasing the City’s ongoing effort on pedestrian safety.
Councilmembers Liu and Go, with the help from the Department of Public Works, concluded that the City’s vehicle and pedestrian data to be analyzed by outside consultants would benefit from a systematic and comprehensive approach. As such, the Councilmembers and staff identified key areas such as permissive left turns and double right turn lanes, school routes, senior communities, and additional intersections with high traffic, based on resident feedback. The Memo sheds light on residents’ feedback regarding the strategic implementation of LPIs, especially on dangerous roadways.
In response to the discussion of this Memo, Councilmember Liu states, “The safety of all Irvine residents is our top priority therefore, LPIs are extremely important to ensure we continue the success of promoting traffic safety. We have to put a focus on our most vulnerable areas, including, but not limited to, school campuses, senior communities, childcare facilities, and other high pedestrian traffic areas.There is a lot more work to be done, and I thank all of the residents who have emailed us and spoken at public comment to support this initiative .”
Concerns were raised in Tuesday’s City Council meeting that our LPI directive similarly mirrors a test LPI pilot program the city has been conducting at 25 intersections across Irvine since 2016.
Councilmembers Liu and Go’s new memo intends to go from those selected intersections to having specific criteria for LPI implementation across the city. The memo’s focus areas include intersections with permissive left turns and double right turn lanes, school routes, senior communities, and intersections with high traffic. We are proud that this memo passed unanimously. City staff will now complete a study for LPI implementation with this new criteria within 90 days and refer to the transportation commission for their analysis.
Councilmembers Liu and Go appreciate the outstanding work of City Staff in their ongoing efforts to address traffic safety while minimizing traffic delays. Through the passing of this item, the objective will bring forward new LPI candidates concerning vulnerable and high-traffic intersections.
For more information or further questions about the initiative, please reach out to Councilmember Liu’s office at MelindaLiu@cityofirvine.org
