Pacific Coast Hywy South (thru L.A.)??

[chiefthomas407]

I have entered the Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego in May and would like to ride from San Francisco to San Diego as a warm-up.  Is the route thru L.A. as shown on the Adventure Cycling maps safe for an individual rider?? Thanks for the Beta! Doug

[John Nelson]

Most of the route through LA itself is along the beach, except for a short section around LAX. On the beach path, there's no danger from cars, but you do have to closely watch out for kids, skateboarders, strollers, dogs, skaters, joggers, other cyclists, oblivious people crossing the path, etc. The section around LAX requires you to be on your toes. The biggest problem with going through LA, if you are camping, is that there is no place to camp. So find someplace else to sleep.

The worst section is the 27 miles through Malibu. Heavy traffic and no shoulder.

[chiefthomas407]

Thanks.  Born and Raised in Indiana so when I see the inland turn around LAX seems to go just about 15 blks south of "Compton," I'm thinking...hmmmmmm, maybe I should ask first!