This path is cool other than the dimwits that don't know this is a designated bicycle path. Maybe the giant painted pictures of a stick man on a bike and the thing that says BIKE LANE don't clarify. Oh yeah and the lane that is made for pedestrian traffic, maybe they think that is for bicycles. Who knows! I guess these are the same people that drive and suddenly realize they need to make a right turn NOW so they stop in traffic until they can turn right from the middle lane. I suppose I'm expecting too much??
So they also rent these pedal powered car cart things. These are the worst of the worst out here! The people are absolutely clueless and stop, swerve, drive on the wrong side, etc. Then you almost eat it and they just stare at you with the stupidest blank stare. Um yeah, you almost made me fall and possibly break a bone, my bike, or get injured for real. Whatever.
Other than these dangers, this path is freaking awesome! The only danger with the path itself would be the sand that sometimes gets on the pavement where there are turns. This could be bad news, especially on the one part where it runs parallel to the pier and makes a 90 degree turn. BE VERY CAREFUL HERE!!!!
Most of the people who are on bikes, running, or on rollerblades are pretty considerate to the flow of traffic. They stay to the right if they are in the way, and pass safely on the left when they want to get by. Luckily you can see the real jerkface numbnuts coming from a ways back, so you can figure out what to do. Just slow down as you get near, as you honestly have no idea what abrupt things they are going to do. Also beware of the pedestrians crossing, as they oftentimes don't realize that this is a thoroughfare, and may not pay close attention. Note that around halfway through there is a designated dog beach area, so be careful for dogs crossing!!! Don't want to run over someone's beloved pooch! D=
More often than not the wind will be blowing from west to east, so plan this accordingly, whichever direction you are going to be riding. The path starts out at the marina near Yard House, and goes east until it ends near Belmont Shore. Figure to cover around 5 miles end to end. On the West side you hop across the Pike area and can catch the LA River bicycle path and head north from there, which will take you all the way towards LA and beyond.
The path is clearly marked and is well kept. There are places both on the path and nearby to rent bicycles if you don't want to lug one down here, or if you didn't happen to bring one. The scenery is nice, and gives you a view of the Queen Mary as well as various views of the Long Beach Marina and beachfront. I haven't been here at night, but this area is generally safe as far as I know, and there are a few beach restroom building stops along the way. I don't run myself, but this would probably be an excellent run if you made a round trip, at around 10 miles. It think it would be freezing at night no matter what time of year though!
All in all, this is one of my favorite places to ride. I usually take the LA River bicycle path down to Shoreline Village, ride this path and then double back. Just be sure if you are coming back west that you don't do it too late in the day, as the winds really start to pick up and create some hellish headwinds!
Check it out, you won't be disappointed. I love this bike path!!! read more