Biking the Orange Line

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It is a shame that it took us a year and some months after the Orange Line's opening to bike it from end to end. So we braved the chilly weather today and did it. We even did it from the Clybourn St. Burbank border on the Chandler Bike Path that connects to the City of Burbank's 4-mile bike path.

One way, the Orange Line ride is 14 miles (add 1.2 miles for the Chandler Bike Path and streets). If you don't feel like biking back, plop your bike on the bus rack and enjoy the ride home.

The ride itself is fun, but the path is a commuter trail at its core -- expect many stops at lights to cross streets. However, there is no better way to travel across the Valley floor than this. The majority of the ride is a Class I trail (that is a dedicated bikeway, not a bike lane on a street which is called a Class II). In the East Valley between Ethel and the NoHo Red Line Station, you will be riding a Class II along Chandler Blvd. In the West Valley, there is some sidewalk riding during and west of the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area. Near the new Canoga Park station, the trail will expand in the near future, but these days you'll be spewed out on the sidewalk where the trail ends (The next question is if a trail will be built along the northbound extension in future years). To get to the Warner Center, head to Owensmouth Ave. and go south. You'll find the final stop after Erwin St.

All in all, biking the Orange Line is a must-do for Los Angeles bike lovers. Novices should try it too. Biking around Lake Balboa is fun too.

Photo by Trista Thompson