And a bike path runs through it ...

And that's a problem for honchos at NBC Universal, who want to keep the public from riding the path that rims the L.A. River along the studio's northern edge.

The flap over the long-planned path comes as the company is touting the green credentials of a massive residential development proposed for its back lot. So, even as the studio paints itself as a friend of the environment (its real estate project will have hiking trails), others see moguls trying to keep the public at bay.

One objection a bike advocate heard: worries that wannabe film tycoons might toss unsolicited screenplays onto the studio's nearby production lot.

Steve Hymon and Andrew Blankstein explain.

-- Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Umar]

As an avid cyclist, the route would be great. And I promise not to throw any screen plays on the lot or at anyone in the lot or nearby. I promise.

We need routes like this that do not place us in high traffic zones. It is good for families and those cyclists who actually use their bikes as commuters.

[Jack]

Hollywood is knee-deep in not-in-my-backyard elitist types. Just look at David Geffen's obscene blocking of public access to public beaches in Malibu for years and Barbra Streisand, who (unsuccessfully) sued a preservationist/photographer for taking pictures of her deck furniture.