We are happy to be able to give an update on the installation of new lights along the L.A. River Bike Path. As many of you probably already know, this segment has been hit hard by copper wire thieves (whose actions have left it, and the many folks who use it, stranded in the dark). The LADOT Bikeways team has been working with the City’s Bureau of Street Lighting to replace these dormant lights along the L.A. River Bike Path. The first of those replacements have very recently been installed.

A Complete Fix

The bike path segment from Riverside Drive (at Zoo Drive) to Fletcher Drive – approximately 4.6 miles in length – will be getting new LED (Light-Emitting Diode) street lamps, 80 percent of which will be solar powered. The path’s solar lights will not rely on copper wiring for their power supply, providing the double benefit of deterring thieves and being environmentally friendly.

Green Street Light Program

The L.A. River Bike Path’s new LED street lights further the goals set by the Mayor’s “Green Street Light Program.” The program represents a partnership between the Mayor’s Office and the Clinton Climate Initiative. The program calls for the City to replace 140,000 traditional street lights with environmentally friendly LED lights. The LED’s are estimated to provide a 40 percent energy savings, reduce maintenance and energy costs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40,500 tons annually – the equivalent of taking 6,700 cars off the road. The program is also expected to save the City $10 million dollars annually.

Perhaps most importantly, these new lights will make the L.A. River Bike Path a safer, more enjoyable place to ride a bike – so go out there and enjoy!