SAFETY EDITIONS: 007 Atwater to Elysian

When I first started riding, I found it immeasurably difficult to get around LA in a way that felt safe and accessible. Over the years, I’ve compiled a laundry list of short cuts, detours, and locals-only shoots that have allowed me to piece together rides spanning LA proper while still maintaining a threshold of safety from cars and pedestrians alike.

This series is a mission to disseminate this information and help LA riders and commuters (especially new ones) stay safe.

If you have any cuts that you love to use to find bike lanes, avoid cars, traffic, or anything dangerous, please DM us so we can feature them.

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After discovering this set of roads that line Mount Washington, it has become my absolute favorite way to cross from Atwater to the LA River and Elysian. For so long it felt like San Fernando was the only direct way, but this route is virtually flat, and incredibly beautiful. Hop off of Eagle Rock Blvd. at Habitat Coffee and take Verdugo all the way down until it ends. This road has wide bike lanes, and several great food options along the way. From there, a series of small turns will dump you onto Isabel St. which is the real star of this show. It’s a humble and quiet suburban street that follows all the way through Mount Washington and drops you off right by the entrance to the LA river. There are barely any cars on this road, and the full lane is a protected bike lane, so you have the freedom to relax along its entirety.

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3070855744119871262