Expo Bike Path

Expo Bike Path
Company type	Public infrastructure
Industry	Transportation, Recreation
Founded	2012
Headquarters	Los Angeles County, United States
Area served	Los Angeles County, California
Products	Bike path, pedestrian path

The Expo Bike Path serves as a rail with trail corridor for cyclists and pedestrians within Los Angeles County, California, running approximately alongside the Los Angeles Metro Rail's E Line between and stations. It is among the two prominent Los Angeles cycling routes that share exclusive rights of way with public transit systems, the other being the G Line Bikeway located in the San Fernando Valley.

This pathway traces the historic route of the former Santa Monica Air Line, which operated from 1909 until 1953 and was last utilized for freight transport in 1988. In 1991, Los Angeles County transportation authorities secured ownership of this right of way from Southern Pacific Transportation Company. Advocates for rails-to-trails projects campaigned for the establishment of a bike path along this corridor, culminating in the launch of the initial segment of the Expo Bike Path in 2012.

At National Boulevard in Culver City, the path links to both the Ballona Creek Bike Path and the Park to Playa Trail through the Bike Path Bridge that spans Ballona Creek. This particular bridge formerly accommodated southbound vehicular traffic until it was superseded by a modern four-lane National Boulevard bridge and an E Line overpass. Additionally, a historic but currently unused Pacific Electric rail bridge remains situated between these road bridges.

Route

Coordinates of eastern trailhead:
Coordinates of western trailhead:

Eastern segment (Phase I)

Trailheads: , (Platform Park located at Washington and National beneath the track)
Length:
Description: Mostly classified as a Class III bike route with shared roadway usage, except for a brief separated bike lane between La Cienega/Jefferson station and the western endpoint. Includes a dogleg maneuver along Harcourt Avenue connecting Jefferson Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard sections. An eastbound crossing is available at South Gramercy Place. Near its western terminus, it connects to the Ballona Creek Bike Path, which extends six miles westward to the coastline and links with the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.

Central segment

Trailheads: , (Northeast corner of Exposition Boulevard and Palms Boulevard)
Length:
Characteristics: Entirely segregated from vehicular traffic except at designated crossing points.

Western segment (Phase II)

Trailheads: (Intersection of Selby Avenue and Exposition Blvd.),
Length:
Features: Separated from motor vehicle traffic except at crossings. This section benefits from robust bikeway connectivity; however, improved signage directing users towards the beach, Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo), Santa Monica College, and other significant destinations would enhance wayfinding.

Gaps

Two sections currently lack continuous on-street or dedicated separated pathways.

Culver Junction gap

Trailhead locations: National Boulevard at Wesley Avenue and behind Venice Crossroads shopping center
Length:

Northvale gap

Trailheads:
Trailheads:
Route options include Northvale Avenue with Overland Avenue or National Boulevard with Westwood Boulevard, passing beneath Interstate 10
Distance:
Additional information: A funded initiative to close this gap by linking central and western segments has been approved, with anticipated completion by 2025.

Access

Reserved parking areas designed for "park and ride" users are situated at the , , , , and stations.

Points of interest

The western portion starts close to the Westwood Neighborhood Greenway, a linear park completed in 2020 that restores Brown Canyon Creek to an open-air stream, after being confined underground since 1958. This Greenway occupies a former railroad corridor that no longer serves train or bike traffic.

Along the route, the Culver City station offers enhanced amenities including a bicycle repair shop and a secure bike parking facility, improving convenience for cyclists.

External links