If you haven't gone for a bike ride in a while, now might be the best time to take your wheels for a spin. With LA County under a safer at home order, outdoor activities are limited with beaches and hiking trails closed. However, many bike paths are still open, and riding around the neighborhood is safer with less car traffic. Plus, biking is a great way to exercise and get some much needed fresh air, given that it's done safely and responsibly.
Where to Ride
With beaches closed, that means beach bike paths are also closed including the popular Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as "The Strand". But other paths are still open allowing you to enjoy a scenic ride through the LA landscape.
- Ballona Creek Bike Path - This trail runs for seven miles connecting Culver City with the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Ballona Wetlands, Baldwin Hills, and the Santa Monica Mountains. If you don't want to ride the entire route, you can start or end at one of the dozen gates along the path.
- Metro Orange Line Bike Path - For those in the Valley, this path parallels the Metro Orange Line bus route from North Hollywood to Chatsworth. Stretching for 18 miles, you'll ride past decorative art murals while enjoying the greenery lining the streets.
- Palos Verdes Donut Loop - For more of a challenge, this 28-mile loop follows Palos Verdes Drive along the hills of Palos Verdes Peninsula with beautiful ocean views. Named for the donut shop where the trail originally started, it's one of the oldest loops in LA dating all the way back to the late 1960’s.
You'll find more paths in our 10 Best Bike Rides in Los Angeles, and be sure to check the LA County Bikeways Map for closures before heading out.
How to Ride
Wherever you ride, you need to ride safely especially now with physical distancing measures in effect. Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself and others.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the risk of injury
- Ride on the right side in the same direction of traffic, never against it
- Keep your head up and looking around for any hazards
- Use hand signals when turning and be extra careful at intersections
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet from anyone you aren't already quarantining with
- Carry hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes to clean your hands, handlebars, and lock after it touches a bike rack
As we celebrate UCLA Bike Month, we hope these tips help you discover the great benefits of biking as a safe and healthy way to get around.
