Ferry Proposal Aims to Bridge Marina del Rey Bike Path Gap

A recent guest editorial published on Streetsblog LA has put forward a proposal for a short ferry service that could bridge a critical gap in the Marvin Braude Bike Trail at Marina del Rey. The suggestion aims to create a more direct and efficient route for cyclists by crossing Ballona Creek, thereby eliminating a substantial detour currently required.

The Unfinished Connection

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a popular coastal route, currently terminates at Ballona Creek. Cyclists wishing to continue south towards the South Bay or north towards Santa Monica must navigate a 1.5-mile inland route. This detour forces riders onto roads such as Fiji Way, Admiralty Way, and Washington Boulevard, which are often characterised by fast-moving traffic. The editorial argues that this detour adds considerable time, stress, and safety concerns for commuters and recreational cyclists alike. A direct water crossing of approximately 250 to 300 feet is proposed as a solution.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

The proposal highlights that Los Angeles County already operates a seasonal service, the Marina del Rey WaterBus, which demonstrates the potential for modest water-based mobility solutions. The existing WaterBus infrastructure, including vessels, insurance, and staffing through its contractor Hornblower, could potentially be adapted for a bike-friendly micro-ferry. A possible docking point mentioned is the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, which features a low-slope concrete ramp currently used for rowing shells and sailboats, suggesting a suitable and accessible location for a ferry landing.

Historical Precedent for Coastal Access

The need for a continuous coastal bikeway is not a new concern. The editorial references the efforts of Councilmember Marvin Braude in the 1970s, who advocated for uninterrupted coastal access and fought against obstructions by private property owners between Ballona Creek and the Marina. His principle that safe passage along the coast should not be subject to detours or gatekeepers is presented as a guiding philosophy for the current ferry proposal. A short ferry across the creek would, in this view, uphold that same principle by restoring a direct connection that the bikeway was originally intended to provide.

A Visionary Yet Practical Intervention

The idea of a small ferry to span the gap at Ballona Creek has been previously floated. Writer David Kipen, in an earlier iteration of the concept, envisioned a similar intervention. While he was not aware of the WaterBus at the time, his suggestion shared the spirit of using small, innovative solutions to address long-standing mobility challenges. The current proposal builds on this by integrating the existing WaterBus operations, making the ferry idea both visionary in its potential impact and operationally straightforward in its execution.

Pilot Program Potential

The editorial suggests that a pilot ferry service could operate during the same seasonal window as the Marina del Rey WaterBus. This timing would coincide with the months when cycling volumes are typically highest, providing immediate benefit to a significant user group. Even a limited-season service, it is argued, could substantially shorten trip times for individuals travelling between the Westside’s job centres and serve as a tangible demonstration of how targeted, small-scale mobility improvements can significantly enhance regional connectivity. The authors advocate for piloting this initiative to test its feasibility and impact.

Key facts
| Feature | Detail |
|—|—|
| Location | Marina del Rey, California |
| Proposed Service | Bike-friendly micro-ferry across Ballona Creek |
| Purpose | Connect the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, bypass 1.5-mile detour |
| Existing Infrastructure | Marina del Rey WaterBus (seasonal service), Hornblower operations |
| Potential Landing Site | UCLA Marina Aquatic Center |
| Historical Context | Councilmember Marvin Braude’s fight for continuous coastal access |

This proposal directly addresses infrastructure limitations within the transportation network, specifically for active travel. By proposing a ferry service, it seeks to enhance the usability and connectivity of a key cycling route, promoting sustainable transport options and improving the experience for a significant number of users. The implementation of such a service would represent a practical application of urban planning principles focused on creating more seamless and accessible active transport corridors.

Source: Streetsblog LA (https://la.streetsblog.org/2026/07/02/guest-editorial-ferry-could-span-beach-bike-paths-unfinished-marina-peninsula-gap)

Datos clave