Embedded Files
For years, Burbank cyclists and pedestrians have had to brave the narrow Riverside Drive bridge just to reach the LA River Bike Path. Here is a look at the history behind this bottleneck—and the future bridge projects designed to finally make access safe.
The Rancho
The Rancho
The historic Rancho District is Burbank’s closest and most vital connection to the LA River, yet safe access for the general public is virtually non-existent. The neighborhood already has a connection to Griffith Park in the Mariposa Street Bridge, but it is strictly restricted to equestrian use.
Right now, the City of Burbank is drafting its Rancho Neighborhood Specific Plan (RNSP), presenting a critical window for community input. We need to demand safe, all-ages infrastructure that connects our communities to the river.
Burbank's Forgotten Plans
Burbank's Forgotten Plans
Official city records from 2017 outline a proposal for a 0.13-mile bicycle and pedestrian facility, featuring a dedicated bridge structure spanning the river near Bob Hope Drive to connect with Forest Lawn Drive.
Strong Towns Burbank led a campaign in March 2025 to remind Burbank and the LA River Bike Path Phase IV team of this bridge. The forgotten Burbank bike bridge is critical to the success of that project, and previously had full funding ($2 million in Measure R Highway Operations sub-regional equity funds). Our comments are cemented in the EIR, and we need to hold the city accountable to these plans. The longer we delay, the more expensive this project gets.
Glendale's Bridge
Glendale's Bridge
The Glendale City Council recently approved environmental clearances for the Glendale-Los Angeles Garden River Bridge Project, a beautifully landscaped crossing at Flower Street and Fairmont Avenue that will land directly in Griffith Park.
As reported by Urbanize LA, this project will anchor Phase III of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk, introducing a dedicated bike and walk path along the north side of the river.
We must motivate our Burbank city planners to look across city lines, designing Burbank's local network to tie seamlessly into Glendale's expanding infrastructure so everyone can enjoy a truly connected, protected river path network.
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