I am sorry to hear about this. I've lived about two blocks from that entrance for the past 25 years, , and ride it constantly. I never ride it past sundown, and only in the early morning if I'm with friends. I also try to be super aware when I do it.
Might I suggest that you get off at Sawtelle, and back on near Centinela, and vice versa. . You can go just south of the creek, and take Mcdonald street.