L.A. leaders celebrate completion of 10-mile bike path between Sylmar and Burbank

A bike path that is years in the making has officially been completed, and Los Angeles leaders gathered near the Hollywood Burbank Airport to celebrate the accomplishment.

The San Fernando Bike Path is expected to “enhance commuting options connecting to major employers along the route, provide an alternative to car travel and reduce traffic congestion, and promote healthier lifestyles among residents,” officials said.

The project has been under construction in various phases for several years, but Monday’s milestone marked the completion of the final stage, adding more than four miles of new paved bike path, safety lighting and signage and a new bridge over the Tujunga wash.

The final stage of construction, Phase III, completes the nearly 10-mile continuous bike path, along the busy San Fernando Road, from the Sylmar neighborhood of L.A. to the city of Burbank’s border. City officials say its completion marks a significant expansion of the city’s cycling infrastructure.

The bikeway is located within the right-of-way owned by L.A. Metro, and it is located adjacent to an active rail line belonging to the regional rail provider Metrolink.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation was the lead agency in the project, with cooperating partners including the City of Los Angeles departments of Public Works Engineering, Street Lighting, Contract Administration and Bureau of Street Services. Metrolink provided assistance throughout the process, LADOT said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was among the city leaders in attendance Monday morning. Bass, who says she’s a bike-rider herself, thanked City Council President Paul Krekorian and other partners who made the bike path a reality.

“We must continue to build a greener Los Angeles,” Bass said, adding that she hopes the project will provide riders with “access to bike lanes that will benefit L.A. and Angelenos for years to come.”

Krekorian said better connectivity in the San Fernando Valley has been among his largest priorities since being elected to City Council. “This path will provide the cyclists of the Valley with nine miles of outdoor recreation and exercise, as well as a healthy and climate-friendly transportation option for those who choose to take advantage of it,” he said.

The bike path runs through the heart of the Sun Valley neighborhood, which, as described by L.A. City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, is surrounded by heavy industry and major transit hubs and regularly “endures more pollution and traffic than most.”

“This level of collaboration across City departments and agencies demonstrates our commitment to ending historic disinvestment in Sun Valley and building a greener, more resilient future,” Padilla said.

In addition to the new four miles of paved, separate bikeway, Phase III of the San Fernando Bike Path construction included paved bus stop waiting areas, safety fencing between the path and adjacent rail lines, improved signals and crosswalks at intersections, and accessible ramps that meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

“The San Fernando Road Bike Path is a beautiful addition to Sun Valley, providing a safe space for families and neighbors to bike, walk, jog and enjoy nature,” said Norma O. Chávez, Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council president. “With a variety of trees and plants, it brings both tranquility and charm to the busy San Fernando Road, making the area healthier, greener and safer.”

For more information regarding the project, click here .

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