how in the heck did you get 8 miles in 30 minutes with a car in west hollywood?

i would stay off the sidewalks if at all possible. take your time and really learn your route. you may also use Google Earth or Google Maps to see if there are alternative routes to some of the hairy areas you are currently riding.

i would highly encourage you to get involved with the various cycling communities in the LA area. most of them are really great. i feel ashamed to live in orange county after seeing that these folks really are agents of change for the LA area.