West Side, We Ride!
In the past few months, there’s been a slight uptick in website clicks thanks to a post I wrote a year and a half ago encouraging folks to Visit A Street Art Memorial Mural While You're Visiting LA. They’re clicking?! ..must mean the Internet wants more! I probably won’t know this to be true until a year and a half from now, but hey, anyway..
I decided (again) that I was going to niche down my personal blog website, repeatedly posting content within the same narrow realm to increase search engine credibility. I’m not really happy about it, however, it’s an action (I think) I know that I must make as a beginning blogger that no one knows. I need to build a solid base that search engines understand and recognize to gain domain authority to allow my website to be found by the millions of Internet users around the world.
For the next 3 to 6 months, it’s all bike everything, babe! Do I want to write about bikes, bicycle riding, cycling, being a female cyclist, all the accompanying bike gear, biking tips, bike riding routes and so on over and over again for the next 180 days?! Absolutely not.. I’m only at the top of week 3 and it’s already challenging, but there’s a method to my madness. I went on an entire rant about this, basically re-convincing myself of this — if you happen to be a budding blogger as well and would like some smart tips for building a blog that can be profitable one day, click that internal link. If you’re not, rejoice. Rejoice in the stability of not being a hopeless writer.
The above is me.. the below is also me, but with heavy formulations by Mr. Gee Pee Tee. Okay, I won’t hold you with my chatter any longer, go ahead and get into some 2pac mural locations to visit by bike.
Discover L.A.’s Iconic Tupac Murals by Bike
Los Angeles is a city rich in culture, history, and artistic expression. One of the best ways to experience this vibrant city is through its street art, and there’s no better figure to represent L.A.'s complex and storied history than Tupac Shakur. His influence can be seen all over the city in murals that pay homage to his legacy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, hopping on a bike and exploring these iconic murals is a must. Not only will you get to see some incredible art, but you’ll also get to experience the city from a unique perspective—one that’s slower, more intimate, and filled with the rhythm of L.A. streets.
Why Explore L.A. Murals by Bike?
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, but it's also a bike-friendly city with an ever-growing network of bike paths and lanes. Riding a bike allows you to cover more ground than walking while giving you the flexibility to stop and explore whenever something catches your eye. Plus, biking is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while staying fit. For those who are passionate about street art, a bike tour offers the perfect blend of exercise, culture, and adventure. You'll have the freedom to roam, take detours, and even discover hidden gems that you might miss if you were driving.
And let’s be honest—biking through the city just feels right. The breeze in your hair, the sounds of the city, the ability to pause at a moment’s notice to snap a picture or take in a mural—there’s nothing like it. For young ladies and girls visiting or living in L.A., this is not only a fun way to explore the city, but also an empowering way to engage with the environment and culture around you.
Bellflower Mural Honoring L.A. Icons
Location: Speedy Auto Tint Shop - 17149 Woodruff Ave, Bellflower, CA 90706
Artist: Louie "Sloe" Motion
Source: Fox 11 Los Angeles
One of the most iconic murals honoring Los Angeles legends can be found in Bellflower, on the exterior wall of Speedy Auto Tint Shop. This mural, created by Louie "Sloe" Motion, is like a Mount Rushmore for L.A., featuring five influential figures who have shaped the city's culture. At the center is the LA Dodgers logo, a symbol of pride for Angelenos, flanked by the faces of Kobe Bryant and Snoop Dogg.
But the real star of this mural is Tupac Shakur. Positioned next to Snoop Dogg, Tupac’s face is immortalized with the quote, "L.A. wouldn't be L.A. without Mexicans," a line that resonates deeply with the city’s diverse population. The mural also includes images of the L.A. skyline and the iconic arches of a local bridge, making it a comprehensive tribute to the city.
This mural is a must-see for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of L.A. and its heroes. And what better way to get there than by bike? Bellflower is a bit out of the way if you’re in central L.A., but the ride itself is part of the adventure. You’ll pass through various neighborhoods, each with its own flavor, and you’ll get to see parts of the city that many tourists miss.
California Love
Location: Herban Kulture Cannabis Dispensary - 764 Inland Center Dr., San Bernardino
Artist: Louie "Sloe" Motion
Source: Instagram
This striking mural is located in San Bernardino and features one of the most famous images of Tupac—his head tilted to the side, bandana tied across his forehead, and hand forming a "W" for West Side. The mural captures the essence of Tupac’s identity as a West Coast rapper, and the backdrop only enhances this theme.
Behind Tupac’s image, palm trees and a painted sky evoke the California landscape. Below him, you’ll see a classic low-rider with its roof retracted, a nod to L.A.’s car culture. The mural’s title, "California Love," is fitting, as it captures the pride and passion that Tupac had for the state he claimed as home.
This mural is more than just a piece of art—it’s a piece of history. It captures a moment in time when West Coast rap was at its peak, and Tupac was its most prominent voice. Visiting this mural by bike is a great way to connect with the art on a deeper level. You’ll have time to reflect on Tupac’s impact and maybe even imagine what it was like to be in L.A. during the golden age of hip-hop.
2 Live and Die in L.A.
Location: Slauson and 8th in South Central L.A.
Artist: Jonas Never
Source: Instagram
This mural by Jonas Never is located in South Central L.A., a neighborhood that played a significant role in shaping Tupac’s life and music. The mural depicts Tupac looking back over his shoulder with a calm expression, his signature bandana tied around his head. The iconic L.A. logo, formed by overlapping the letters "L" and "A," is prominently featured.
The title of the mural, "2 Live and Die in L.A.," is a reference to one of Tupac’s most famous songs, which serves as an ode to the city he loved. The mural is a powerful tribute to Tupac’s connection to Los Angeles and his influence on the city’s culture.
Riding your bike to this mural is a unique experience. South Central L.A. is a neighborhood that’s often misunderstood, but it’s also a place with deep roots and a strong sense of community. Biking through these streets gives you a chance to see the real L.A., away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. You’ll get a sense of the city’s history, its struggles, and its resilience.
Welcome to L.A.
Location: 216 E 4th St, Downtown Los Angeles
Artists: myinkflow, pricegoodman
Source: Kobemurals on Twitter
This vibrant mural is located in the heart of Downtown L.A. and features a stunning blend of colors that resemble a Los Angeles sunset. The mural’s central focus is the iconic L.A. logo, with the words "Welcome to" written above it in neon cursive script.
The mural also includes images of Tupac, Nipsey Hussle, and Kobe Bryant, three figures who have left an indelible mark on Los Angeles. Tupac is depicted with his signature "West Side" hand gesture, while Nipsey Hussle is shown with a checkered car race flag, and Kobe Bryant is accompanied by the image of a black mamba, his nickname.
This mural is a celebration of L.A. culture, and it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the city’s soul. Biking to this mural is a great way to explore Downtown L.A., with its mix of historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant street life. You’ll also be close to other attractions, so you can easily turn your mural tour into a full day of exploration.
Why Biking Is the Best Way to Explore L.A.’s Street Art
Los Angeles is a city of contrasts. It’s a place where you can find both gritty urban landscapes and stunning natural beauty, often just a few blocks apart. This diversity is reflected in the city’s street art, which ranges from politically charged murals to whimsical pieces that simply make you smile. By biking through L.A., you get to experience this diversity firsthand.
Biking allows you to move at your own pace. You can take your time admiring each mural, reading any accompanying text, and even chatting with locals who might have stories to share about the art or the artist. You can also easily navigate through the city’s many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and style.
Plus, biking is good for you! It’s a low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints, and it’s a great way to burn calories while having fun. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, L.A.’s bike paths and lanes offer something for everyone. You’ll also be doing your part to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, making L.A. a cleaner, greener place to live.
Riding Out
Los Angeles is a city that’s constantly evolving, and its street art reflects that. Murals come and go, but the stories they tell are timeless. Tupac Shakur is one of those stories—an artist who, even in death, continues to influence and inspire. By visiting these murals on your bike, you’re not just seeing art—you’re experiencing a part of L.A.’s cultural history.
So, grab your bike, put on your helmet, and hit the road. There’s a whole world of art waiting for you to discover. And remember, aroundLAwithTK is more than just a blog about biking—it’s a celebration of all things Los Angeles, from the streets to the studios, from the beaches to the boulevards. Whether you’re into opinion pieces, beauty tips, style guides, or just want to learn more about this amazing city, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for more riding content, and be sure to follow aroundLAwithTK on Instagram for [somewhat] real-time updates on L.A. life, mainly via spur-of-the-moment Instagram Story spazzes as I run around LA.
I don’t predict Google will place this post on the first page of search results for “where to go bike riding in Los Angeles” nor “tupac murals in Los Angeles”, but what if by the grace of the Internet gods it does? And what if it gets a thousand clicks? And what if, somewhere in there, there’s a person out there that is thinking, “I want to treat this girl to a coffee for the next time she’s ruining her posture in front of a computer screen for hours gathering and presenting quality information.” In the rare event that comes to pass, my Venmo is @tekeyakrystal. Hey, stranger things have happened [shoulder shrugs]
Thank you for riding, riders.
