The San Fernando Valley Commuter Corridor
Orange Line
Follow the big Orange Metro bus!
With a few breaks, this path parallels the new Orange Line Busway across the Valley, and,
as you can see, ties in nicely with the Sepulveda Dam path.
Thomas Guide, pp. 530-32, 562.
It’s not very scenic, and since it’s interrupted by cross streets and traffic lights every few blocks, it’s hardly a “destination” bike path. On the other hand, if you’re using it as a commuter or transportation route, why wouldn’t you just hop on the Orange Line bus? (You can store your bike in one of the handy lockers, or take it with you on the bus – they all have racks on front.)
Anyway, it’s there and it’s well-lit and nicely-maintained, so far.
Just west of Sepulveda, the bike path dips down to join a service road to get under the 405; but when it comes up on the other side is gets to the prettiest section – curvy, with trees, grass, and benches – this the mile or so between Balboa and Sepulveda.
Above:Path dips to go under Sepulveda. Left: The prettiest section of the path.
And here’s where you can link up with the Sepulveda Dam bike path.
Alas, I haven’t ridden the busway path yet. You’ll find the explanation at my most recent post:
http://youreonlyoldonce.blogspot.com
I’m staying in Burbank while my wife performs in 33 Variations at the Ahmanson. Getting to the busway is easy, but finding a bike to rent has proved less so. Can you help me? I’m looking for a shop that is close to the busway.
Thanks for the hearing.
Dick
Yelp shows 20 places to rent bikes in LA and the closest to Burbank seems to be:
1. BUDGET PRO BICYCLES
2750 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Neighborhood: Eagle Rock
2. Cycleworx
5003 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Neighborhood: Highland Park
I took this route for the first time from Studio City to Topanga Canyon. It was great to enjoy the ride and not worry about cars. i only hope L.A. gets more bike friendly a la Copenhagen.
While good in intention , this bike path SUCKS! Bicyclists ALWAYS get a red light even when the cars going same direction have green. Cyclists MUST press the button to get a green, and then must wait a very long time for all ways of car traffic to go first before the cyclist gets a green to go. This path descriminates AGAINST CYCLISTS! It actually is dangerous because it encourages cyclist to run the light.The light pattern needs to change for this to be of help to biking.
i ride the orange line bike path from woodland hills to north hollywood and back often. its a 23 + mile round trip and it has been previously stated the lights are a pain in the ass. i ride at 4:30 in the morning so i can jump most of the lights when i see there is no cross traffic. if you’re taking the underpass at balboa ave. in the dark, slow down and have a good bike light. sometimes there is garbage, tree branches and homeless under there. it would be great if this dedicated path would link up with some others.
Hi sitbone,
I’m actually hoping to take the same route:
I live in hollywood, work in woodland hills.
Question:
Is taking this route something I can just do immediately (returning to cycling after 10+ years) or if some kind of build-up period is needed? Is it appropriate to use a cruiserish urban commuter bike or does it need something more intense?
[...] the way to Burbank or if you’re feeling ambitious, bike west across the entire Valley via the Orange Line Bike Path. The path also connects to the Supulveda Basin Recreation Area and terminates in Woodland [...]