Construction photos of the Rosemead Blvd Complete Streets Project as of March 22, 2014. Pictures taken facing and heading north from the Rosemead/Temple City border. 

The project's on-street protected bike lane, the San Gabriel Valley's first (and one of the first in southern California), is almost complete.  A formal opening celebration has been scheduled for Saturday May 10th (9am-1pm), and BikeSGV will be on hand with trailer to distribute information and materials. 

For more information about the project, grand opening event details and more, visit www.rosemeadblvd.com

Editor's note: both proposals were formally selected for funding in June 2014!

In February 2013 the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) launched the highly anticipated "Open Streets" Program, which sets aside $2 million in competitive funding for Cities in LA County to host Open Streets events. The goals of the program are to encourage sustainable modes of transportation (biking, walking and transit), provide an opportunity to take transit for the first time and foster civic engagement. 

In anticipation of this opportunity, BikeSGV released a vision for CicloSGVia, a 50-mile, multi-jurisdiction "Open Streets" event that would connect the many attractive destinations and diverse communities in the San Gabriel Valley. The project was presented to stakeholders, City Councils, and various resident groups throughout the region in hopes of garnering local support. Although many regarded the idea as wildly ambitious, it was successful in creating a buzz and provoking conversation about the possibility of hosting Open Streets events in the SGV. 

As soon as the application became available for agencies to review, BikeSGV organizers followed up with City staff, decision-makers and stakeholders in over a dozen SGV cities to strongly encourage their participation and partnership with neighboring communities to develop competitive, and more importantly, significant events. In the City of South Pasadena, Council Member Michael Cacciotti immediately recognized the new funding as an opportunity to host a major event in conjunction with the opening of the Gold Line Foothill extension. 

The outcome of this process: TWO (2) compelling and very attractive proposals - 1) SGV Golden Streets and 2) SGV Earth Day Festival - were formally submitted for Metro funding thanks to the efforts BikeSGV organizers, volunteers and local leaders such as Council Member Cacciotti of South Pasadena.

Becoming a member of BikeSGV is the best way to support these efforts. All proceeds are reinvested into the organization to continue advancing issues that you care about.

Consider joining/renewing and/or making a tax-deductible donation today to support our work to realize awesome infrastructure projects and innovative bike events to the SGV! Sign up today!

With a fine dinner, wine for some, and relaxing Latin-based music flowing through the air, the 2013 BikeSGV Awards dinner was a wonderful evening that brought together over 150 supporters of a more bicycle-friendly San Gabriel Valley. The venue at the historic San Gabriel Mission Grapevine Arbor made the event more enjoyable with the warm view of sun shining down on the mission building.

 With over 150 participants consisting of local government officials, bike enthusiasts, and supporters alike, the dinner reached its full force hosting those from around the San Gabriel Valley. Spending my evening with dozens of bike lovers over a nice meal is an opportunity I am glad I did not miss.

More importantly, however, was the recognition of those who have dedicated so much time and effort to the betterment of our community as a whole through supporting the bike legislation. I would like to take the time to say thank you to all participating cities and individuals who helped make the dinner, awards, and silent auction possible.

As a junior member in the cycling community, it was especially satisfying to see so many like-minded individuals and others who actively commit time to enrich our local area. Hopefully, I will see even more supporters next time! 

Written by Kahui Lim, BikeSGV Youth Advocate