Santa Monica to LA Amtrak?
02-23-11, 12:00 AM
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Santa Monica to LA Amtrak?
Hey, I'm thinking of doing a loaded tour down the coast this summer, then taking Amtrak back home.
So, if I make it all the way to Santa Monica along the coast, how easy/safe/wise is it to ride from there to the LA Amtrak station? The thought of riding my bike in L.A. scares me! Google maps will give me a route, but I have no idea what that route might be like.
I'm interested to hear what the locals have to say.
In return, I'll tell you all about riding in Portland, if you'd like!
So, if I make it all the way to Santa Monica along the coast, how easy/safe/wise is it to ride from there to the LA Amtrak station? The thought of riding my bike in L.A. scares me! Google maps will give me a route, but I have no idea what that route might be like.
I'm interested to hear what the locals have to say.
In return, I'll tell you all about riding in Portland, if you'd like!
02-23-11, 12:10 AM
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It's not a problem - I've done that ride plenty of times. Early in the mornings on weekends is easiest - you've almost got the roads to yourself.
02-23-11, 12:20 AM
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That's great to hear!
I don't know what day of the week I'd be riding that route, though. If I have to ride on a weekday, would it still be okay?
I don't know what day of the week I'd be riding that route, though. If I have to ride on a weekday, would it still be okay?
02-23-11, 04:18 PM
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From Santa Monica, you can continue down the beach bike path through Venice and Marina del Rey to the intersection with the Ballona Creek bike path, which will get you up to Culver City (Jefferson and National). From there, there are a number of lower traffic options to head over near downtown (Jefferson to Hoover, up Hoover on the bike lane to Washington, then over to Pico where you could hop on the Blue Line to Union Station would be one option).
02-23-11, 05:11 PM
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You can take Venice Blvd (has bike lane) all the way from the beach to the east towards DTLA. It turns into a 1-way but you can take a left at San Pedro (you'll pass through Skid Row here), to 1st, then make a left onto Alameda. If it's going to be in the evening after traffic dies down, I would also consider Pico or Olympic.
02-23-11, 06:57 PM
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From Santa Monica, you can continue down the beach bike path through Venice and Marina del Rey to the intersection with the Ballona Creek bike path, which will get you up to Culver City (Jefferson and National). From there, there are a number of lower traffic options to head over near downtown (Jefferson to Hoover, up Hoover on the bike lane to Washington, then over to Pico where you could hop on the Blue Line to Union Station would be one option).
Can I take a loaded bike on the Metro, even if it's not during rush hour?
02-23-11, 07:03 PM
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Short answer is, unless it's a tandem, trike, or over 6 feet long, it's not a problem outside of rush hour. I think they've even lightened up a bit on the during rush hour thing, but you can get the whole Metro Line and bike thing at www.metro.net/news_info/publications/images/bikes_rail.pdf.
02-24-11, 12:35 AM
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You can take Venice Blvd (has bike lane) all the way from the beach to the east towards DTLA. It turns into a 1-way but you can take a left at San Pedro (you'll pass through Skid Row here), to 1st, then make a left onto Alameda. If it's going to be in the evening after traffic dies down, I would also consider Pico or Olympic.
