Southern California - Ballona Creek?

I'm sure some of you have heard about the situation about the bike path on Ballona Creek (Gang activities, etc.). As I remember those links and article (couldn't find them) are from more than a year ago.

Anyone been there recently? I don't live far from there, but if it's still dangerous, I'm not eager to check it out myself.

oh that sounds scary!

i'm actually really conscious (spellig) of what's going on around me ever since the murder on the bike path in georgia!)

i've been avoiding the path east of centinela. it's the gangs in the housing projects east of overland(?) that cause the problems. last time the cops acted pretty swiftly and hopefully sqaushed the desire to attack cyclists for awhile. it sucks for me because my work is basically right at washington and mcmanus where it ends. anyway, it's only that short area around the projects where you need to be cautious. west of sepulveda i don't think you have to worry so much.

i've been avoiding the path east of centinela. it's the gangs in the housing projects east of overland(?) that cause the problems. last time the cops acted pretty swiftly and hopefully sqaushed the desire to attack cyclists for awhile. it sucks for me because my work is basically right at washington and mcmanus where it ends. anyway, it's only that short area around the projects where you need to be cautious. west of sepulveda i don't think you have to worry so much.

Pfhew, thanks, man. I live around overland.

Ride the creek at least twice a week. My dad and I ride in the morning between 5:30 am and 6 am from Dequene (sp?) to the Scattergood Hill or Hang Glider Hill ( 17.5 miles round trip). No problems to report, but I am always vigilant, and I am a Cyde. No one really wants to mess with me.

If your a woman try not to ride it alone, because there are some areas of the trail with no quick exits.

So, if your on the creek and see a big dude on a blue Felt, feel free to wave. If I don't wave back, don't take it personally, I'm just tired.

The local PD says they arrested the individuals directly responsible for the problems. For what that's worth.

I ride there at least 3 to 4 times a week, I had and egg thrown at me by some kids but thats it. Its safe before night fall.

Found some posts a while ago that explained things as gang v gang activity in the housing project that spilled out onto the bike path. I think since one was on a bike, people were claiming that cyclists were attacked.

My commute goes through those neighborhoods everyday and I have been through at all hours. Seen the occasional "police activity", but never any problems. I agree, though, don't wanna be on that path late at night if for no other reason than you can't really see and I have seen all sorts of garbage on the path.

I have been taking the Ballona Creek Bike Path as part of a weekly commute I do on Monday's my return trip puts me on the path around 10:30-11p. I have seen a few joggers/ dog walkers at that time, but mostly the path is empty. I'd like to know what the actual stats are in terms of assaults. Because there is always risks on every road.

Visibility is not an issue for me thanks to this little guy:
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/images/products/thumb/nitqrwxw.jpg

Ah, the bike path people love to hate! ;) IMO, it's a pretty nice ride, all-in-all.

Recent discussions:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=303804&highlight=ballona

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=258721&highlight=ballona

Dscott . thanks for the links.
I know I'm not invunerable out there or anywhere for that matter
but from what I am reading ... I'm probably just as safe on Ballona as I am on the streets, if not safer.
Its definately faster.