Orange Line Bike Path Gets Overdue Cleaning

This was not even half of it in this spot. Even that garbage bag was hidden back there. (Zach Behrens/LAist)

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After LAist exposed the Orange Line's bike path as a mini skid row (and followed up on by the Daily News), the city finally got down to work this past weekend when police from the Van Nuys Division, volunteers and those filling community service by court order all met to clean the path between Hazeltine and Van Nuys Boulevard.

Two problems were highlighted earlier this year. One was that landscaping was not being properly maintained by the city's vendor, whose contract will expire this summer. It overgrew and encroached so much on to the pedestrian portion that walkers and joggers were forced onto the bicycle lanes. Also due to poor maintenance, the bushes grew so thick, it created a safe haven for transients and drug use. Police admit Saturday's cleanup is just one step in a longer term solution. Bicycle patrols from the division's four member team will keep more of an eye on the area and more cleanups will come down the line.

Disclosure: LAist Editor Zach Behrens serves as a volunteer on an LAPD committee that focuses on homeless and transient issues in the Van Nuys Division. This is how this issue was brought to him.