Patch Blog: West Hollywood an Alternative Transportation Mecca?

While West Hollywood is probably best known for our trendy nightlife, world-class design district, hip hotels and inclusive vibe, the city has steadily been building its reputation for being something altogether different and less expected—a mecca for alternative transportation and eco-friendly living.

Zipcar - the car-sharing service that's already become a huge hit with urban dwellers in New York, San Francisco and Seattle (to name a few) - launched its West Hollywood operations yesterday with 10 cars throughout the city. For people who only need a car occasionally, Zipcar makes car-sharing extremely simple with set hourly pricing and self-service access to cars.

And living without a car in West Hollywood is a highly realistic option. Last July, West Hollywood was named the most walkable city in California by Walk Score, a company that uses sophisticated metrics to rank walkability based on proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, schools, parks and public transit. With a score of 89, Weho easily edged past San Francisco's score of 85.

Adding to our growing list of options, another new West Hollywood business is encouraging locals and visitors to see Los Angeles on bikes. Bikes and Hikes LA offers an eco-friendly and health-conscious solution to tourists and locals who want to see L.A. without leaving a large carbon footprint. Bikes and Hikes founder Danny Roman, a big fan of alternative transportation and eco friendly living, thinks Zipcar is a welcome addition to the city.

"West Hollywood has recently been named the most walkable city, but there are still some circumstances that necessitate access to a car (moving, hauling equipment, shopping)," said Roman. "Hopefully, people will be able to use Zipcars for these particular needs and bike/walk as their primary mode of transportation. Zipcar and Bikes and Hikes together will lead to a healthier and more eco-friendly West Hollywood."

And we haven't even mentioned the L.A. public transportation system. While the phrase "L.A. public transportation" might be a joke to some people, the reality is that LA Metro buses (the only form of public transit that passes through Weho) offer a highly efficient, reliable and practical option for many people in this city.

- Andy Keown