Pedal to the Metal: Circa’s Guide to Cycling in LA

Spring has sprung! And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than hopping on a bike and tooling around LA on two wheels. If you’re looking for bike lanes and bike paths near Circa, check out the LA County Bikeways Map. We’ve also rounded up some great resources, including bicycle shops, bike rentals, bike repair and maintenance, and scenic bike paths and trails. And mark your calendars for some epic bike rides around town to put your pedal to the metal.

Finish The Ride and Run Griffith Park near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Finish The Ride and Run Griffith Park Autry Museum 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

April 6-7 Finish the Ride and Finish The Run supports the life-saving strategies of Streets Are For Everyone to make roads safer for all road users. This event has been making roads safer since 2014, when Damian Kevitt finished his ride to Griffith Park, a year after losing his leg and almost his life, in a hit-and-run collision while cycling there. By participating in these events, you are supporting this mission. You can access the Autry by biking (they’re right by the LA River bike path). If you plan to drive, there is plenty of parking at the Autry and surrounding lots


CicLAvia bike ride near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

CicLAvia

April 21 CicLAvia is a nonprofit organization that catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation, and good health through car-free street events. CicLAvia engages with people to transform our relationship with our communities and with each other. Inspired by Bogotá’s weekly ciclovía, CicLAvia temporarily closes streets to car traffic and opens them to Angelenos to use as a public park. Free for all, CicLAvia connects communities to each other across an expansive city, creating a safe place to bike, walk, skate, roll, and dance through LA County. There are eight CicLAvia Sundays in 2024. Check website for full schedule.

LA Critical Mass bike ride near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Critical Mass

L A Critical Mass is a community of cycling enthusiasts who ride through the land of cars and spread the joy of bicyclism. The night rides are held on the Last Friday of every month. Meet at the Purple Line Station, Western and Wilshire at 6:30 pm. Ride rolls at 7:29 pm. You don’t need gasoline, just adrenaline.

DTLA Bikes bike store near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Bikes 425 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

What started as an underground basement shop on Broadway has grown into the premier bicycle store in Downtown Los Angeles. Located in an 18,000 square foot facility spanning three floors, DTLA Bikes is a cycling destination for fixed gear messengers, urban commuters, weekend warriors, hard core roadies, and leisure riders alike. The shop has over 500 bicycles in stock, along with thousands of accessories. Their knowledgeable staff, who love to ride to work, includes skilled mechanics and service techs.

Just Ride LA bike store near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Just Ride L.A. 1626 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

LA-made and family-owned, Just Ride L.A. is more than just a cycling shop, it’s a lifestyle. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 2008, Just Ride has been the go-to destination for Los Angeles’ active city cycling community. From small-scale repairs to the highest quality bikes on the market, this award-winning store is a one-stop shop for all of your cycling needs. 


Hoopty Bikes mobile bike repair near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Hoopty Bikes 305 E 9th St. #219 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hoopty Bikes is a mobile bike repair shop for all types of bicycles. Whether it’s an ebike, classic 10-speed, basic commuter, or beach cruiser, they’ve got you covered. For a fast, free estimate, text 310-308-0252 with a photo of your bike and your zip code, and the best mobile mechanic in LA will schedule an appointment at your home or office. No shop visit required. They also specialize in restoration of vintage road bikes.

Glendale Narrows Elysian Valley Bicycle Path bike path near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA River Bikeway

Along the 51 miles of the L.A. River, you’ll find a series of disconnected paved paths everywhere from Canoga Park to the Port of L.A. But the most bike-centric activity is along the Glendale Narrows/Elysian Valley Bicycle Path, which cuts through cafe and restaurant-filled Frogtown. The bike path runs from Victory Boulevard and Riverside Drive to Elysian Valley’s Egret Park, with various notable entry points like Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park and Rattlesnake Park. 

Hollywood Sign Griffith Park Trails bike path near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Griffith Park Trails

Take a trek by bike through the mix of native chaparral and landscaped paths that cover Griffith Park. For a flat ride, you can stick to the perimeter and the L.A. River Bike Path, take a detour onto Crystal Springs Drive for a bit of an elevation change, or really get adventurous with a challenging climb up Mt. Hollywood Drive. Those cycling to Griffith Park and Observatory must use paved park roads and may park and bike from public spaces around the park. The Observatory has several bike racks. 

Griffith Park Observatory Griffith Park Trails bike path near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Spokes ’N Stuff Bike Rentals 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Located on Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park, you can choose a bicycle to rent and enjoy hours in the sun while getting some exercise and seeing the sights. Parking is available in the Rangers Station Parking Lot.

Spinlister Bike Rentals near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Spinlister Bike Rentals

Spinlister is a global bike rental and sharing service that provides a platform to connect bike owners with active people looking to rent or borrow around the world. Through their service, owners list their bikes, renters search for a bike in whatever area they want, and complete the rental process easily through their website, mobile app, or in-store kiosks. Spinlister offers various protection options and delivery services for your peace of mind.

Topanga Creek Outpost bike store near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

9 Amazing Bike Rides In Los Angeles

From the mountains to the beach, and everywhere in between, you can pedal your way across the city and enjoy almost endless biking opportunities. Take a ride along the coast on the Marvin Braude/Pacific Coast Bike Path or venture up to Cogswell Dam, tucked up in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa. Closer to home, you can peel the Arroyo Seco Bike Path from Ernest E. Debs Regional Park all the way up to the Rose Bowl, where you’ll find a loop of protected lanes. These great rides take place on roads that are entirely car-free or have light traffic — and they work for folks of all fitness levels.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Hoopty Bikes

Photo #2: Streets Are For Everyone

Photo #3: CicLAvia

Photo #4: LA Critical Mass

Photo #5: DTLA Bikes

Photo #6: Just Ride LA

Photo #7: Hoopty Bikes

Photo #8: Glendale Narrows Elysian Valley Bicycle Path/Wiki Commons Junkyardsparkle

Photo #9: Hollywood Sign/Hollywood Sign Trust

Photo #10: Griffith Park Observatory

Photo #11: Spinlister Bike Rentals

Photo #12: Topanga Creek Outpost

Celebrate Earth Day Cycling in LA

April 22 is Earth Day, dedicated to creating a prosperous and sustainable future, restoring nature, and building a healthy planet. And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than hopping on a bike and tooling around LA on two wheels. If you’re looking for bike lanes and bike paths near Circa, check out the LA County Bikeways Map. Ready to ride? We’ve rounded up some great resources, including bicycle shops, bike rentals, bike repair and maintenance, and scenic bike paths and trails to put your pedal to the metal.

DTLA Bikes near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Bikes 425 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

What started as an underground basement shop on Broadway has emerged into the premier bicycle shop in Downtown Los Angeles. Located in an 18,000 square foot shop spanning three floors, DTLA Bikes is a cycling destination for fixed gear messengers, urban commuters, weekend warriors, hard core roadies, and leisure riders alike. The shop has over 500 bicycles in stock, along with thousands of accessories. Their knowledgeable staff, who love to ride to work, includes skilled mechanics and service techs. 

Just Ride L.A near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Just Ride L.A. 1626 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

LA made and family-owned, Just Ride L.A. is more than just a cycling shop, it’s a lifestyle. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 2008, Just Ride has been the go-to destination for Los Angeles’ active city cycling community. From small-scale repairs to the highest quality bikes on the market, this award-winning store is a one-stop shop for all of your cycling needs. 

Hoopty Bikes near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Hoopty Bikes 305 E 9th St. #219 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hoopty Bikes is a mobil bike repair shop for all types of bicycles. Whether it’s an ebike, classic 10-speed, basic commuter, or beach cruiser, they have you covered. For a fast free estimate, text 310-308-0252 a photo of your bike with zip code and the best mobile mechanic in LA will schedule an appointment at your home or office. No shop visit required. They also specialize in restoration of vintage road bikes.

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Topanga Creek Outpost 1273 N Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290

Topanga Creek Outpost has been building quality custom bicycles since opening their shop over fifteen years ago. They offer customized bicycles crafted with the highest standards based on your needs, budget and style to make each bike uniquely yours. The friendly staff will help guide you through the entire process, from initial design to component specification to work completion, with a straight approach and open communication. They are also an authorized Los Angeles dealer for complete bicycles, bicycle frames, parts and accessories.

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The 8 Best Bike Rides In Los Angeles

From the mountains to the beach, and everywhere in between, you can pedal your way across the city and enjoy almost endless biking opportunities. Take a ride along the coast on the Marvin Braude/Pacific Coast Bike Path or venture up to Cogswell Dam, tucked up in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa. Closer to home, you can peel the Arroyo Seco Bike Path from Ernest E. Debs Regional Park all the way up to the Rose Bowl, where you’ll find a loop of protected lanes.

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The 7 Best Mountain Bike Trails in Los Angeles

Savvy Angelenos know there’s more to our fair city than beaches and Hollywood film sets. Though the City of Angels is home to nearly four million people, it’s also central to plenty of green space – even the iconic Hollywood Sign sits in a public park. With all those parks and trails, it’s no surprise that there’s a ton of phenomenal mountain bike trails near Downtown L.A. See Los Angeles in a whole new light with these seven incredible MTB rides.

Glendale Narrows Elysian Valley Bicycle Path near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LA River Bikeway

Along the 51 miles of the L.A. River, you’ll find a series of disconnected paved paths everywhere from Canoga Park to the Port of L.A. But the most bike-centric activity is along the Glendale Narrows/Elysian Valley Bicycle Path, which cuts through the increasingly cafe and restaurant-filled Frogtown. The bike path runs from Victory Boulevard and Riverside Drive to Elysian Valley’s Egret Park, with various notably entry points like Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park and Rattlesnake Park. Discover the full LA River route HERE

Hollywood Sign near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Griffith Park Trails

Take a trek through the mix of native chaparral and landscaped paths that cover Griffith Park by bike. For a flat ride, you can stick to the perimeter and the L.A. River Bike Path, take a detour onto Crystal Springs Drive for a bit of an elevation change, or really get adventurous with a challenging climb up Mt. Hollywood Drive. Those cycling to Griffith Park and Observatory must use paved park roads and may park and bike from public spaces around the park. The Observatory has several bike racks. Plan you trip HERE

Griffith Park Observatory near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Spokes ’N Stuff Bike Rentals 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Located on Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park, you can choose a bicycle to rent and enjoy hours in the sun while getting some exercise and seeing the sights. Park in the Rangers Station Parking Lot.

Spinlister Bike Rentals near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Spinlister Bike Rentals 12575 Beatrice St. Los Angeles, CA 90066

Spinlister is a global bike rental and sharing service that provides a platform to connect bike owners with active people looking to rent or borrow around the world. Through their service, owners list their bikes, renters search for a bike in whatever area they want, and complete the rental process easily through their website, mobile app, or in-store kiosks. They even offer various protection options and delivery services for your peace of mind.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: DTLA Bikes

Photo #2: DTLA Bikes

Photo #3: Just Ride L.A. 

Photo #4: Hoopty Bikes

Photo #5: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #6: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #7: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #8: Glendale Narrows Elysian Valley Bicycle Path/Wiki Commons Junkyardsparkle

Photo #9: Hollywood Sign/Hollywood Sign Trust

Photo #10: Griffith Park Observatory

Photo #11: Spinlister Bike Rentals

Pedal to the Metal: Discover Cycling in LA

In the past year, cycling has become more popular than ever, both as a form of exercise and an alternative method of transport. In fact, bike sales have soared across the world, and many major cities are beefing up their cycling infrastructure to accommodate this new trend. Beyond the fun factor, there are some excellent health benefits of traveling by bike. According to Harvard Medical School, not only does cycling provides an aerobic workout and trigger the body’s feel-good endorphins, but it’s also easy on the joints, builds muscle, increases bone density, and helps with everyday activities. DTLA boasts some of the best bicycle shops and bike services around, many just short distance from Circa. You’ll also find easy access countless bike trails from the mountains to the ocean. So put your pedal to the metal and discover cycling in LA.

Spinlister Global Bike Rental near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LA River Glendale Narrows and Elysian Valley Path

The Los Angeles River is host to a Class 1 bicycle and pedestrian path that runs 51 miles from Canoga Park to the Port of Los Angeles, but the most bike-centric activity is along the Glendale Narrows and Elysian Valley Bicycle Path, which cuts through Frogtown near DTLA. This 7.4 mile path, which goes from Victory Boulevard and Riverside Drive to Elysian Valley’s Egret Park, takes you along one of the nicest soft-bottom sections of the river. Although there are concrete and freeway-close areas, the best parts pass through a prettier, greener segment, ending near the spot where the city of Los Angeles was founded. The upper part of the route, which passes through the Glendale Narrows, offers unfettered views of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains.

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The 8 Best Bike Rides In Los Angeles

From the mountains to the beach, and everywhere in between, you can pedal your way across the city and enjoy almost endless biking opportunities. Take a ride along the coast on the Marvin Braude/Pacific Coast Bike Path or venture up to Cogswell Dam, tucked in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa. Closesr to home, you’ll find biking aplenty in Griffith Park or the Rose Bowl. So pack your favorite snack, strap on your water bottle and start exploring.

DTLA Bikes near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Bikes 425 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

What started as an underground basement shop on Broadway has emerged into the premier bicycle shop in Downtown Los Angeles. Located in an 18,000 square foot shop spanning three floors, DTLA Bikes is a cycling destination for fixed gear messengers, urban commuters, weekend warriors, hard core roadies, and leisure riders alike. The shop has over 500 bicycles in stock, including Aventon Electric Bikes, along with thousands of accessories. The knowledgeable staff members, who love to ride to work, include skilled mechanics and service techs.

Tokyo Bike near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Tokyo Bike Row DTLA 1320 E 7th St #120 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Tokyo Bike is a small, independent bicycle company founded in 2002 in the quiet Tokyo suburb of Yanaka, Japan. Based on the concept of Tokyo Slow, the bicycles are designed to explore the places you love and call home. With a Tokyo Bike, it is as much about the journey as the destination. Private shopping by appointment only. Book appointment HERE

Just Ride L.A. near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Just Ride L.A. 1626 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

LA made and family-owned, Just Ride L.A. is more than just a cycling shop, it’s a lifestyle. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 2008, Just Ride has been the go-to destination for Los Angeles’ active city cycling community. From small-scale repairs to the highest quality bikes on the market, this award-winning store is a one-stop shop for all of your cycling needs. 

Hoopty Bikes near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hoopty Bikes 305 E 9th St. #219 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hoopty Bikes is a mobil bike repair shop for all types of bicycles, including ebikes, classic 10-speeds, basic commuters, and beach cruiser. Founder Chris Duncan, an X Games pro BMXer, mountain biker, and master bicycle mechanic, started Hoopty Bikes in 2009 in the heart of San Francisco’s cycling scene after developing a love of restoring vintage road bikes. In 2015, he moved the company to Los Angeles and grew Hoopty Bikes into a full-service mobil repair center, along with sales of vintage road bikes. To book an appointment, just text a picture of your bike with your location to 310-308-0252

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Topanga Creek Outpost 1273 N Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290

Topanga Creek Outpost has been building quality custom bicycles since opening their shop over fifteen years ago. They offer customized bicycles crafted with the highest standards based on your needs, budget and style to make each bike uniquely yours. The friendly staff will guide you through the entire process, from initial design to component specification and work completion, with a straight approach and open communication. They are also an authorized Los Angeles dealer for complete bicycles, bicycle frames, parts and accessories.

CLIP.bike near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

CLIP ebike converter

Turn any bike into an ebike with CLIP, a new design which attaches to the front wheel of a bike in seconds. Two arms lock around the bike’s fork and the other end connects with the front of the wheel. A tiny controller attached to the handlebars has a button that you can push to boost your bike’s speed as you pedal up a hill with a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. Optimized for the urban commuter, CLIP is as light as a laptop, fits in your backpack, and looks great charging on your desk. Activate CLIP when you face an uphill climb or to coast that last stretch to your destination. CLIP.bike is based in Brooklyn, New York, with a mission of empowering the world to adopt biking as their primary choice for urban mobility.

Spinlister Global Bike Rental near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Spinlister Bike Rentals 12575 Beatrice St. Los Angeles, CA 90066

Spinlister is a global bike rental and sharing service that provides a platform to connect bike owners with active people looking to rent or borrow around the world. Through their service, owners list their bikes, renters search for a bike in whatever area they want, and complete the rental process easily through their website, mobile app, or in-store kiosks. they even offer various protection options and delivery services to make everyone happy.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: DTLA Bikes

Photo #2: Spinlister

Photo #3: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #4: DTLA Bikes

Photo #5: Tokyo Bike

Photo #6: Just Ride LA

Photo #7: Hoopty Bikes

Photo #8: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #9: CLIP.bike

Photo #10: Spinlister Bike Rentals