Southern California - Need good routes in San Fernando Valley

I just moved to Encino from Agoura (sad, but I had to leave the nest) and recently discovered that the MUP along the Orange Line sucks because of constant red lights. I'm looking for a good 15-20 mile ride to do regularly 2 times a week, and then some longer rides (30-40 for now, then moving up to 60 as I get back in shape) for the weekends. Anybody have some favorite routes I could try?

I'd like to do more Sepulveda/Mulholland/etc. rides, and wonder if anyone has any safer streets to get from Lindley/Burbank to that area. Thanks in advance!

Oh yeah, dropped by the velodrome for old times sake. I might be asking for a fixie for X-mas!!!

They are mostly pretty busy in that area
Check out http://metro.net/riding_metro/bikes/images/la_bike_map.pdf
This is the LA Metro bike map...might give you some ideas....
We ride out there alot...but not many streets are empty....Mason is not too bad for a North/South...
Valley Circle has some nice areas...

Also the San Fernando Valley Cycling club as some routes on their site
http://www.sfvbc.org/

Yeah, I ride with the SFVBC from time to time. I guess I just have to brave Ventura Blvd for a mile or two in order to get anywhere nice. Thanks!

You can always ride or drive to the Rose Bowl. It's an uninterrupted 3 mile loop.

Trying to avoid driving to a ride location (at least on weekdays). I must have been spoiled living in Agoura with 3 different directions and hundreds of possible routes to take right from my house... and 2 trail heads within a mile if I wanted to do any mtb riding!

Have you tried Wells Drive? You can go south on Lindley then right on Tarzana drive to pick it up and it twists and goes up and down all the way to Topanga. It was my after work ride when I lived over there.
To go east, take Oxnard to Louise to Killion to Amestoy to Magnolia to Hayvenhurst to Moorpark to Libbet to Dickens to Woodley to Valley Vista to Sepulveda. This avoids busy streets and sounds complex, but once you do it, it becomes obvious.
For mtb riding, certainly you know about the South end of Reseda?

Ventura Blvd is pretty bad...
You might want to try one of the more northern east/east street>> Plummer or Devonshore.....Victory is nice and wide but busy...still better than Ventura!
Big John's route seems really good..I will have to try that myself!

I'll give Wells drive a try. A teammate used to use that boogie east, but I never remembered which streets went through to get to Sepulveda. I'll try that order to rate your memory! Going north isn't a bad idea either. I just don't like the scenery, but it could be a means of getting to Valencia, Burbank, Tujunga, etc.

Oh yeah, and I am definitely familiar with the top of Reseda. Never mountanbiked, but hiked it often and almost got a ticket for lewd make-out session in my car when I was 18.

I'll give Wells drive a try. A teammate used to use that boogie east, but I never remembered which streets went through to get to Sepulveda. I'll try that order to rate your memory! Going north isn't a bad idea either. I just don't like the scenery, but it could be a means of getting to Valencia, Burbank, Tujunga, etc.


Definitely no great scenery there....
We do use the Orange line a fair amount....while it does stop alot...it is good for sprints...it also goes all the way to Burbank now...only between Vineland and Lankershim there is no path..it is being worked on...and the burbank/Chandler path is supposed to connect to the Riverside Dr/La River path

Also if you get east of Van Nuys blvd there is a class 2 lane on Riverside Dr...and one on Laurel Canyon
h

.....and the burbank/Chandler path is supposed to connect to the Riverside Dr/La River path

That's great....then I can practically ride from my home, close to Fletcher where the LA river path begins all the way to Woodland Hills......:D

That's great....then I can practically ride from my home, close to Fletcher where the LA river path begins all the way to Woodland Hills......:D

That supposedly is the plan...
BTW.I have been in communication with someone from the LADOT bike project.....supposedly they are going repave the path from Fletcher to that little park just before the hill and turn to Figueroa....(where the LA River Ride exits onto Riverside), it was supposed to be done this past winter but of course there were some legal issues with right of way etc...that will help....Riverside is ok...but....
And eventually connect it to Lario and then we can go all the way to the beach just like the San Gabriel trail!

Oh yeah, and I am definitely familiar with the top of Reseda. Never mountanbiked, but hiked it often and almost got a ticket for lewd make-out session in my car when I was 18.

Make sure you actually cross Mullholland (a dirt road there) and enter Topanga Park. Lots of trails all the way to the coast.

^ OK now I need to get back on the mountainbike!

Trying to avoid driving to a ride location (at least on weekdays). I must have been spoiled living in Agoura with 3 different directions and hundreds of possible routes to take right from my house... and 2 trail heads within a mile if I wanted to do any mtb riding!


Swap houses with your parents and come home to Agoura!

(not to make you feel bad but we did a group ride from Agoura Cycles to Dos Vientos to HV and back, 42 miles today... put the bike in the car and come ride with us on Saturdays!)

Sheldon

When I get back in shape (haven't done more than 20 miles in over a month) I'll drive out there. Heh, I sound like it's a day trip, it's really 10-15 minutes. Are those CVCC rides? Heck, if I ever get really in shape I'll ride out there for the group ride.

Edit: While we're in Agoura, can we have an intervention to get my dad back on his Dura Ace equipped Merckx?

When I get back in shape (haven't done more than 20 miles in over a month) I'll drive out there. Heh, I sound like it's a day trip, it's really 10-15 minutes. Are those CVCC rides? Heck, if I ever get really in shape I'll ride out there for the group ride.

Edit: While we're in Agoura, can we have an intervention to get my dad back on his Dura Ace equipped Merckx?

I ride with Agoura Cycles, which leaves the shop at 8. Nice group, up to 30 people but can be a bit slow sometimes as there are two rides at the same time; short/beginner route and everyone else up to 40 miles. After the short ride breaks out, things speed up a bit. Nice shop guys on our ride will help change out your tube if you get a flat!

Sundance leaves at 7:30 from their shop if you want a much faster ride.

I like the guys at Agoura Cycles. The Sundance staff seems a little snooty and only into high end top dollar stuff, which is actually great for the community they serve, just not my type.

I've ridden in this area alot and probably the place I will never ride near is Balboa park. There is always some kind of a55wipe that decides do to some dangerous **** right infront of me.

Ventura isn't bad actually. I ride Ventura about once a week as a warmup from Winnetka to Corbin(nice little hill, this thing was uber hard when I was new ^_^)

The traffic on the section of Sepulveda between Ventura and Mulholland makes me a little jumpy. What do you think of heading south on Hayvenhurst to get to Mulholland. I have never even driven there so I dont even know if it's paved or not....

I've ridden in this area alot and probably the place I will never ride near is Balboa park. There is always some kind of a55wipe that decides do to some dangerous **** right infront of me.

Ventura isn't bad actually. I ride Ventura about once a week as a warmup from Winnetka to Corbin(nice little hill, this thing was uber hard when I was new ^_^)

what do you mean when you were new?

I just moved to Encino from Agoura (sad, but I had to leave the nest) and recently discovered that the MUP along the Orange Line sucks because of constant red lights. I'm looking for a good 15-20 mile ride to do regularly 2 times a week, and then some longer rides (30-40 for now, then moving up to 60 as I get back in shape) for the weekends. Anybody have some favorite routes I could try?

I'd like to do more Sepulveda/Mulholland/etc. rides, and wonder if anyone has any safer streets to get from Lindley/Burbank to that area. Thanks in advance!

Oh yeah, dropped by the velodrome for old times sake. I might be asking for a fixie for X-mas!!!

I'm about a mile from that intersection. Just jump on Ventura west hang a left on Topanga, right on Mull and your set for the day. Much better riding than Mull,Sep. Don't even bother with trying to find the small off the blvd streets. The only thing I can agree with whats his face is that Ventura is really not bad. With the right lane a parking lane you can take the entire thing.

what do you mean when you were new?

When I was at your current riding skill level is what I meant...Sorry I'll be clearer next time

When I was at your current riding skill level is what I meant...Sorry I'll be clearer next time

Ya let me know when you get there. Then we'll let you ride with us. Don't want to make you cry. Your supposed to enjoy the ride.

The traffic on the section of Sepulveda between Ventura and Mulholland makes me a little jumpy. What do you think of heading south on Hayvenhurst to get to Mulholland. I have never even driven there so I dont even know if it's paved or not....
You can go up to Mulholland via Hayvenhurst and Calneva, it's one of the steepest climbs around. Sepulveda is the best way to go over the pass, just avoid the intersection at Ventura bl. and enter Sepulveda at Valley Vista, or thereabouts. After that we have a bike lane all the way up.

Yeah, I ride with the SFVBC from time to time. I guess I just have to brave Ventura Blvd for a mile or two in order to get anywhere nice. Thanks!I always ride Wells Drive to Dumetz to San Feliciano to Mulholland.

I like that route - no traffic and a few little climbs.

I always ride Wells Drive to Dumetz to San Feliciano to Mulholland.

I like that route - no traffic and a few little climbs.

Avoid the valley between reseda and van nuys. I was egged through there a couple weeks ago on a night ride and wont be riding out there again for a long time. The people are just insane, love to be rude, and would rather we be killed than allowed to ride. And I ride in the gutter to let cars always get by and I still was egged.

Valley vista is a nice street but the massive bumps holes and horrible pavement makes it a place to avoid as well. Every time I go for the valley vista views ride, I end of needing to go home and true my wheels, adjust my tensions and fix pinch flats.

In reality, I just kind of avoid the valley but I know there are some quiet places to ride that are way better. So I clearly need some better places to ride out here too.

I normally drive 40 minutes to westlake to ride and I live just 4 minutes from Sherman Oaks. Sometimes I wish I lived in a more bike friendly area.

I've found the Wells and Tarzana routes since creating this thread, and haven't had many problems around there. Most people are quite polite if I'm following the rules, but I do see them frown openly if a rider runs a stop sign or takes a car's right-of-way.

I carry my cell with me always. If I'm egged, I will try my best to keep sight of the person(s) while calling the cops and asking to charge them with assault. Were they middle aged adults or just ignorant teens or college age delinquents?

I've found the Wells and Tarzana routes since creating this thread, and haven't had many problems around there. Most people are quite polite if I'm following the rules, but I do see them frown openly if a rider runs a stop sign or takes a car's right-of-way.

I carry my cell with me always. If I'm egged, I will try my best to keep sight of the person(s) while calling the cops and asking to charge them with assault. Were they middle aged adults or just ignorant teens or college age delinquents?
I honestly do not know the exact age as it was a from the rear egging! But that car had gone past before honking and being a prick just minutes earlier. They were likely late 20's and not the brightest of folk. The instant they egged the ylaughed, slamed the gas down and made a right turn as I went on through the intersection. I have no hope keeping up with a speeding car so it was a lost cause. I know it was blue nissan alitma and thats about it!

I guess this is just the price we pay for doing what we love to do.....

Avoid the valley between reseda and van nuys. I was egged through there a couple weeks ago on a night ride and wont be riding out there again for a long time. The people are just insane, love to be rude, and would rather we be killed than allowed to ride. And I ride in the gutter to let cars always get by and I still was egged.

Valley vista is a nice street but the massive bumps holes and horrible pavement makes it a place to avoid as well. Every time I go for the valley vista views ride, I end of needing to go home and true my wheels, adjust my tensions and fix pinch flats.

In reality, I just kind of avoid the valley but I know there are some quiet places to ride that are way better. So I clearly need some better places to ride out here too.

I normally drive 40 minutes to westlake to ride and I live just 4 minutes from Sherman Oaks. Sometimes I wish I lived in a more bike friendly area.

..or maybe just a lack of experience riding in high traffic areas. You know it is a lot safer not to ride anywhere near that gutter... next to riding on the sidewalk or riding against traffic that has to be the worst place to ride.

..or maybe just a lack of experience riding in high traffic areas. You know it is a lot safer not to ride anywhere near that gutter... next to riding on the sidewalk or riding against traffic that has to be the worst place to ride.

Maybe I should use the "grain of salt" phrase here. I am saying I DONT hog lanes and block traffic flows. I am not the person out there that we all hate that blocks traffic just for the sake of wanting to ride in the center of the lane when there is clearly space for a car and a bike to get through.

I stop at traffic singals, obey the traffic flow laws as per the dmv code, stop at stop signs, give cars the right of way when I can to keep traffic flowing and try to have 4 sets of eyes watching out for the wack jobs about to crush me. I am not at fault here. In fact I stopped riding with a group of friends for they insist on breaking about every one of those codes I listed above!

Maybe I should use the "grain of salt" phrase here.

don't argue with socalcycling, hes just jealous I won't ride with him

Maybe I should use the "grain of salt" phrase here. I am saying I DONT hog lanes and block traffic flows. I am not the person out there that we all hate that blocks traffic just for the sake of wanting to ride in the center of the lane when there is clearly space for a car and a bike to get through.

I stop at traffic singals, obey the traffic flow laws as per the dmv code, stop at stop signs, give cars the right of way when I can to keep traffic flowing and try to have 4 sets of eyes watching out for the wack jobs about to crush me. I am not at fault here. In fact I stopped riding with a group of friends for they insist on breaking about every one of those codes I listed above!

Whose "codes" are these??? The "law" states that I have the right to take up as much space that I need in the right lane to ride safe. The more visible you are to traffic the safer you are going to be. Also, what happens when you riding in the gutter and you come across a pot hole? Which way are you going to go? Thats right to your left right into that car truck your giving space too. PEOPLE WILL GO AROUND YOU!!!!!!!!!!

It is clearly a lack of experience when people complain about being worried about drivers running them over from behind or being worried about they are going to piss someone off.

don't argue with socalcycling, hes just jealous I won't ride with him

I'm so jealous.. Since you consider yourself one of the girls now when are we going to see you on your new pink trek????

Whose "codes" are these??? The "law" states that I have the right to take up as much space that I need in the right lane to ride safe. The more visible you are to traffic the safer you are going to be. Also, what happens when you riding in the gutter and you come across a pot hole? Which way are you going to go? Thats right to your left right into that car truck your giving space too. PEOPLE WILL GO AROUND YOU!!!!!!!!!!

It is clearly a lack of experience when people complain about being worried about drivers running them over from behind or being worried about they are going to piss someone off.

In fact it does not. It states that unless you are traveling at the flow of traffic you must ride as close to the right of the lane as safely possible -- as to not impeed the flow of traffic.

This was posted by a fellow forum user in the thread dealing with the Channel 4 specail on "road wars."

You can not take up all the space you like as per the dmv code and I know many people who have been cited for doing just that.

Im not here to fight and I dont ride against the gutter. I am saying I am respectful and do not block traffic.

In fact it does not. It states that unless you are traveling at the flow of traffic you must ride as close to the right of the lane as safely possible -- as to not impeed the flow of traffic.

This was posted by a fellow forum user in the thread dealing with the Channel 4 specail on "road wars."

You can not take up all the space you like as per the dmv code and I know many people who have been cited for doing just that.

Im not here to fight and I dont ride against the gutter. I am saying I am respectful and do not block traffic.

Thanks for making my point!!!

Thanks for making my point!!!
Here is the DMV code. I dont make this stuff up.


The California Vehicle Code is very specific as to bike laws. Assuming there is nothng blocking the area near the side of the road bikers should ride as close to the side as safely possible. Clearly if you have debris, pot holes, tree branches etc in the way you should go around them. Safe would give a rider the right to not flank a parked car inches from its mirror incase a door opens or that car pulls out but that does not mean ride in the middle of the lane. Maybe we have a difference in what "safe" includes.

I dont think that being concerned with being run over a sign of being a novice. Having had friends get run over and seriously injured in bike to car crashes I think being aware of your surroundings is simply preservation of self.

I have had 1 other situation worth noting. Riding with a friend around the Malibu Lake a driver had some road rage and pulled infront of my friend and "brake checked" him nearly causing a crash. I was riding along the side of the road and he was "in the middle" of the lane (we wer maybe 100 ft apart - me in the rear). I was not involved in that road rage likely because I was not blocking traffic. Trying to be respectful and "share" the little space provided often goes long way to keep tempers from flaring. I dont trust many people in LA and think some people would intentionally run a biker off the road if given the chance.

Bicycle Use. VC 21200

Every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, including the provisions of law dealing with driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.


Duty of Bicycle Operator: Operation On Roadway. VC 21202

a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or motor vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

b) Any person operating a bicycle on a one-way street or highway with two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.


Permitted Movements from Bicycle Lanes. VC 21208

a) Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall ride in the bicycle lane, except under the following situations.

1. When overtaking or passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When necessary to leave the lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions.

b) No operator of a bicycle shall leave a bicycle lane until it can be done safely and then only after giving an appropriate hand signal in the event that any vehicle might be affected by the movement.

if I'm on a 3 lane each direction road like most of the streets going east/west are in the valley you can bet that I will be right in the middle of the right lane. That is as close as "practicable" to the curb where I feel safe. You say you know several people that have received tickets for this infraction and I don't believe you. I do it on daily basis as well do others I ride with and we never have problems with the law or upsetting drivers.

Although I think socalcycling is a tard in the way he says things...he is right.

I ride in the middle of the right lane all the time and I've NEVER even gotten close to receiving a ticket. I've come across numerous cops and none of them even dared to say a word when I take up the whole lane.

THe only time I feel endangered is if I am riding too close to the curb. There isn't enough room for you to swerve and the cars are driving right next to you and taking advantage of you by having you sit in the gutter.

gutter is dangerous...

Unless your friend was taking up the whole 1 lane path and moving utterly slow and blocking 5+ cars from passing, getting a ticket for that is just plain bad and if they paid the fine then thats equally as bad.

I'm so jealous.. Since you consider yourself one of the girls now when are we going to see you on your new pink trek????
I was trying to buy one but WSD version sucks for my tall frame. They don't have the WSD treks in like 60cm...only for short girls~!!!

if I'm on a 3 lane each direction road like most of the streets going east/west are in the valley you can bet that I will be right in the middle of the right lane. That is as close as "practicable" to the curb where I feel safe. You say you know several people that have received tickets for this infraction and I don't believe you. I do it on daily basis as well do others I ride with and we never have problems with the law or upsetting drivers.

So lets say we are talking about a single lane road in each direction for this was where each of these situations took place. In that case what should a rider do from your perspective? Clearly if we have 3 lanes moving in 1 direction (even two for that matter) things are far different.

I was squaked at by a officer in Westlake for riding to far from the curb while going up Thousand Oaks blvd between herbs and westlake blvd. He stopped and informed me I needed to stay farther from the flow of traffic while riding a bike. Im not here to make things up so if you think im insanse that is how things go.

Officers in Simi Valley are giving tickets for just about anything possible these days including stopping your bike in a crosswalk at an intersection.

gutter is dangerous...



Ok OK I was using hyperbole here. I dont ride my bike in the actual gutter :D

Ok OK I was using hyperbole here. I dont ride my bike in the actual gutter :D

hell i sleep in the gutter, I'm just saying its dangerous cause you might run me over :D

hell i sleep in the gutter, I'm just saying its dangerous cause you might run me over :D

Geez, was it you that I ran over? Oops - my bad.

hell i sleep in the gutter, I'm just saying its dangerous cause you might run me over :D

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

Celtic where have you BEEN!

Bicycle Use. VC 21200

Every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, including the provisions of law dealing with driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.


Duty of Bicycle Operator: Operation On Roadway. VC 21202

a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or motor vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

b) Any person operating a bicycle on a one-way street or highway with two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.

That is key to me, because if the lane is too narrow for a car to pass safely (that includes most lanes that do not have a parking lane or bike lane next to it) then I am entitled to the entire lane.

I am with you, though, I ride as far to the right as humanly possible, but on some of the streets I commute on, leaving space on the left seems to encourage some drivers to pass me with inches to spare, so I casually take the middle of those lanes. In those cases, the drivers have 2 more lanes in the same direction, so I feel no guilt. In one lane applications, I stay as far right as possible because, let's face it, if I was in the car, I wouldn't want to drive 15 mph waiting for the double yellow to become broken.

oh, and try not to be offended by socalcycling. He's Ovoleg's evil alter ego.

:fight:

I ride on sidewalks, which is where bikes belong.




When you're 5.

:fight:
I ride on sidewalks, which is where bikes belong.
When you're 5.
Oh don't get me started. People (adults, commuters and sometimes roadies in full kits) ride their bikes on the sidewalk all the time where I live, probably because it's a somewhat busy street with no bike lane. But my wife can't stand it because they act like she should jump into the planter to get out of their way when she's taking the dog for a walk. I know this might sound crude, but I told her to feel no shame in yelling "GET THAT VEHICLE ON THE STREET WHERE IT BELONGS!" to them. Or perhaps more effective would be "SICK 'EM KILLER! :D