Discover Metro Bike Share: Chinatown, Civic Center, Little Tokyo & the Arts District

With dozens of Metro Bike Share Stations located in Downtown Los Angeles, it's easier than ever to enjoy Downtown L.A. by bike. Hundreds of bikes are available at all hours, day or night, and the frequency of MBS Stations makes it easy to hop on and off a bike any time. Now instead of calling a rideshare, jumping in your car or walking, you can make short trips easily by bike. Or you can make a day of riding through the neighborhoods that make Downtown L.A. such a fascinating place to live, work and play.

This guide explores some of the Metro Bike Share Stations in Chinatown, near the Civic Center, in Little Tokyo and in the Arts District. The cross streets in bold are locations of MBS Stations. The stops are ordered so they may be ridden in some kind of logical progression, starting from Chinatown - but really you can explore Downtown L.A. however you like. Just remember to be mindful of traffic and have fun!

NOTE: Sometimes you just feel more comfortable riding carefully on the sidewalk. That’s cool. In the City of Los Angeles you may ride a bicycle on the sidewalk unless it is done “with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” (LAMC 56.15). So if you want to ride a combination of bike lanes, sidewalks, alleys and side streets - go for it!

Chinatown currently has the north-easternmost MBS Stations in the Downtown L.A. area. Rich with history and ripe with dining options, Chinatown is a great place to begin and/or end any MBS adventure.

Hill & College (881 N Hill Street)
Your ride starts at the Hill & College MBS Station, just a block away from the gates of Chinatown - the historic neighborhood is great for people watching, snapping photos and of course food. Admire the beautiful paifang gateways, take a selfie with the Bruce Lee statue and nosh on "Chinatown’s #1 burger" at the always popular Burgerlords. For more traditional fare, head across the street for dim sum at Golden Dragon.

Spring & College (870 N Spring St.)
Just a few blocks from Hill & College is the Spring & College MBS Station, adjacent to the Chinatown stop of the Metro L Line (Gold). There are a ton of cafes, shops, markets and restaurants on Spring, Broadway and Hill Street (more so on the latter two).

After Chinatown, head west towards Downtown L.A. and Civic Center / Grand Park - but first, you can make a few stops to check out some other cool MBS Stations along the way. Take Spring Street down to Cesar Chavez Avenue because it seems to be quieter and less busy than Hill or Broadway. Cesar Chavez is listed on Google Maps as a "bike-friendly" street, but apparently there are no bike lanes - stick to riding carefully and car-free on the wide sidewalks.

Once on Cesar Chavez, there are bike hubs in both directions - you can go left towards Union Station or you can go towards Figueroa Street.

Union Station West Portal (834 N Alameda St)
From Cesar Chavez take Spring Street then cut through to Main Street at Paseo Luis Olivares and then use the crosswalk to enter the oldest plaza in L.A., El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Hop off your bike and listen to some music and people watch in this beautiful and historic public space. Cross the street again and ride towards the mission-like Union Station. Built in 1939, Union Station is still an important metropolitan hub as well as a fascinating site in its own right.

Figueroa & Cesar Chavez (668 N Figueroa St.) + 2nd & Hill (201 South Hill St.)
On the other side of Cesar Chavez is the Figueroa Street MBS Station, located at the beginning of the Figueroa Street bike lane. The bike lane is a pleasure to ride down to 2nd Street, where a left turn will take you into a long tunnel that burrows under The Broad, Hope Street, Grand Avenue and emerges at Hill Street where there is a MBS Station. There is a dedicated bike lane the entire length of the tunnel and it is a super fun little stretch of downtown to ride. Near the 2nd & Hill Station is Redwood Bar & Grill, a pirate-themed dive bar with live music.

Between Downtown L.A. and Chinatown is a sprawling lawn and public space that radiates from City Hall. Civic Center, Grand Park and City Hall are surrounded by MBS Stations and are wonderful places to rest on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.

Hope & 1st (111 N Hope St.)
Across from the Ahmanson Theater and the Mark Taper Forum, this MBS Station is an ideal place to take in the view of both parks and City Hall. The visually striking Walt Disney Concert Hall is a block away and well worth a long look. Bike to Grand Park and past the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain and towards City Hall. Look for weekly food trucks Tuesday-Thursday from 11am to 2pm.

Main & 1st (120 S Main St.)
On the other end of Civic / Grant and across the street from LAPD Headquarters is the Main & 1st MBS Station. A stone’s throw away is Neal Fraser's stunning restaurant, Redbird. Both Main and Spring Street are ONE WAY streets and both have bike lanes, so just ride the street that applies.

Broadway & 3rd (303 S Broadway St.)
The Broadway & 3rd Street Station is next to the Bradbury Building, the oldest commercial building in central L.A. and popular film location, famous for its Victorian center court and wrought iron features. Also nearby is the epicurean mecca, Grand Central Market. Anything your tummy and tongue could want is here. Notable vendors include The Donut Man, Eggslut, Knead, Sari Sari Store, Golden Road Brewing and Horse Thief BBQ.

1st Street has a nice bike lane that runs from Figueroa to Judge John Aiso Street - a wonderful route from Civic Center to Little Tokyo and the Arts District. Both neighborhoods don’t have many bike lanes but there are also more side streets than other Downtown L.A. neighborhoods that offer a quieter, more relaxed ride.

1st & Judge John Aiso (134 Judge John Aiso Street)
This MBS Station is nestled in a dense cluster of noodle shops, sushi restaurants, bars and cafes. Perhaps the most famous restaurant is Daikokuya, the tiny ramen spot that almost always has a line snaking down the block. For your sugar fix, don’t miss Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop. Family owned since 1903, this sweets shop is known for its traditional Japanese confections.

1st & Central (369 E 1st St.)
You’ll find this Station tucked next to the Japanese American National Museum and kitty corner to the Koyasan Buddhist Temple. Hungry? Grab a bite at Sushi Enya.

Traction & Rose (599 Traction Ave)
Riding from Little Tokyo south-west towards the Arts District the first MBS Station you'll run into is a favorite due to its proximity to Angel City Brewery. Park your bike and pony up to the bar of this popular brewery that has great beer and food, free WiFi and often a food truck or two pulled up out front of its mural covered brick building. Speaking of murals, wander the nearby streets and alleyways for some of the most vibrant and beautiful street art you’re likely to see anywhere in L.A.

3rd & Santa Fe (999 E 3rd St.)
3rd Street is a relatively bike-friendly street in this neighborhood, so ride a few blocks to the Santa Fe Avenue MBS Station and the vicinity of some really tasty food options. Park the bike and start eating. Amazebowls serves fresh fruit, granola, hemp milk and other goodness in - you guessed it - a bowl. Wurstküche is famous for its exotic and gourmet sausages. After you’re done noshing, browse the ARTBOOK @ Hauser Wirth & Schimmel gallery, or quench your thirst at Arts District Brewing.

Industrial Street & Mateo Street (1855 Industrial St.)
The last MBS Station on your itinerary is located just steps from one of L.A.'s most popular gastropubs, Little Bear, a great spot for Belgian-style beers and a killer grilled cheese. Artsy types will want to ride a block away to Artists & Craftsman Supply and browse their huge selection of art supplies. Located a block up Mateo from the MBS Station, Two Bit Circus is billed as the "World’s First Micro-Amusement Park," spanning 38,000 square feet with numerous game zones, from classic coin-ops to the latest in immersive entertainment and multi-person virtual reality. Nearby is The Acey Deucey Club, a submarine-themed Tiki bar that pops up at Lot 613. Bike towards 7th Street and you'll find more dining and nightlife options, including Guerrilla Tacos, Everson Royce Bar, Tony's Saloon and the acclaimed Bestia and Michelin-starred Kodo.

This is just a little taste of what Downtown L.A. and Metro Bike Share offer the adventurous spirit looking to explore some of L.A.'s landmark neighborhoods. What will you find when you pick up your bike and get lost in L.A.?