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BICYCLE

Cycling around Southern California is a great, nonpolluting way to travel but is really only a feasible option if you’re in fairly good shape and able to cope with high temperatures, especially in summer. Cycling in the desert is brutal and not recommended during that period. Some cities have designated bicycle lanes, but you really want to have to your wits about you when venturing out into heavy traffic.

Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as vehicles, but don’t expect drivers to always respect your right of way. Helmets may give you a bad hair day but using one is the smart thing to do and is mandatory for anyone under 18. Cycling is allowed on all roads and highways – even along freeways if there’s no suitable alternative like a smaller parallel road; all mandatory exits are marked.

You can rent bikes by the hour, day, week or month or buy them new, at sporting-goods stores and discount-warehouse stores, or used, at flea markets and from notice boards at hostels. Also check the newspaper classified ads or online bulletin boards such as www.craigslist.org. The Adventure Cycling Association (www.adv-cycling.org) is an excellent source for maps, bike routes and gadgets.

Emergency roadside assistance is available from the Better World Club ( 866-238-1137; www.betterworldclub.com). Membership costs $40 per year, plus $10 enrollment fee, and entitles you to two free pickups and transportation to the nearest repair shop within a 30-mile radius. The company donates 1% of its revenue to environmental causes.

If you tire of pedaling, some local bus companies operate buses equipped with bike racks. Greyhound transports bicycles as luggage for about $15 to $25, provided the bicycle is disassembled and placed in a box (available at terminals for $10). Most of Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains feature special racks where you can secure your bike unboxed, but be sure to reserve a spot when making your ticket reservation. There’s a fee of $5 to $10, depending on the destination. On trains without racks, bikes must be put in a box and checked as luggage ($5 fee, box $10).

Bicycle theft is fairly common, so protect yours with a heavy-duty bicycle lock and park in well-lit, busy areas. Some parking garages have special bike parking areas. If possible, bring your bike inside your hotel room at night.

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BUS

Southern California cities served by Greyhound ( 800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com) include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Anaheim, Oceanside, San Bernardino, Temecula and Ventura. Buses are a cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel between these major cities, but they won’t get you off the beaten path or into parks and forests. Frequency of service varies, but main routes operate every hour or so, sometimes around the clock. Stopovers are allowed on full-fare tickets only.

The cheapest method of getting around, Greyhound generally serves the less-affluent strata of society, but by international standards the service is not bad. There is only one class, but buses are usually clean, comfortable and reliable; the best seats are near the front away from the bathroom. Other amenities include air-conditioning (bring a sweater) and slightly reclining seats. Smoking is prohibited.

Bus stations are dreary places and often in sketchy areas. This is especially true of LA.

Greyhound can accommodate disabled travelers, but you should make your needs known either at the time of booking or by calling 800-752-4841 at least 48 hours in advance of travel.

Costs

Tickets are sold online, by phone, at bus terminals and through ticket agents. Fares are quite competitive but you can knock off a few dollars by purchasing round-trips and traveling between Monday and Thursday. Discounts are also available – on unrestricted fares only – for seniors over 62 (5% discount), students with a Student Advantage Card (Click here; 15%) and children under 12 (40%). Also check the website for fare specials. Other promotions, including