L.A. County supervisor Lindsey Horvath spoke at Will Rogers Beach at opening of the bike lane.
L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath opened the newly constructed .6-mile path of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to the public on May 24 at a ceremony held by Will Rogers Beach Lifeguard Headquarters.
Prior to construction, Palisades residents know that the portion of the bikeway just south of Tower 15 to Chautauqua was about 13-feet wide and was shared by bikers and pedestrians. Overcrowding when both groups tried to share the tight space on busy weekends made it difficult to navigate.
A dedicated two-way bike lane and pedestrian path now connects Santa Monica to Will Rogers State Beach and is part of a nine-mile parallel trail from Venice to the Palisades.
“The Marvin Braude Trail is a Los Angeles County gem, beloved as a destination for pedestrians and recreation as well as a commuter corridor for cyclists,” Horvath said at the ceremony. “Los Angeles County has invested in making the path safer and more enjoyable for those on foot and bike.”
The event was well attended by Palisades residents. After the speech, people were invited to take a ride on the path. Bicycles provided by the County were available for people who did not have one.
There was a nice crowd at the opening ceremony at Will Rogers Beach by Lifeguard Headquarters.
In September 2021, when the project was first announced, David Card, who was the Pacific Palisades Community Council Chair said, “This has been a long-time coming.”
According to a 1975 Joint Powers Agreement, all development undertaken by the County on beaches within the City needs to be approved by Recreation and Park Commissioners. The beach is owned by California State.
Palisadian Joe Halper, who was then a Recreation and Parks Board commissioner, voted for bike path approval and said, “This was initially raised over a decade ago, and I’m pleased that RAP is considering it.”
The scope of work, which began in February 2022, included construction of a concrete slab bridge, removal and replacement of culverts, modifications to rest areas and new benches, trash receptacles and bicycle racks.
Los Angeles County provided the planning and construction. Funding came from a $2.2 million Active Transportation Program Grant and $3.8 million in Los Angeles County Measure R Local Return Funds. The total cost of the completed project according to L.A. County is $6.5 million.
Horvath’s office was asked who would be responsible for keeping the sand off the paths. In the past that area has been particularly problematic to blowing sand. There was no response.
Horvath did urge residents to learn more about the L.A. County Bicycle Master Plan Update, visit pw.lacounty.gov/tpp/bmp.
Palisades residents attending were (left to right)Sharon Kilbride, Sue Kohl, Cindy Young and Carmen Kalberg, and outreach dog Missy.