On Thursday June 27th the Metro Board of Directors formally adopted a "First/Last Mile Plan" for the Foothill Gold Line Extension Phase 2B.🛹🛴🚲 😀

Covering future stations in the Cities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, and Claremont, the plan is the product of over 12 months of study and incorporates the feedback and input of over 1500 local residents. It is broken into five primary chapters, one for each station city. Each chapter includes detailed station plans, summaries of public feedback, and recommendations for improving access to the future stations.

For your viewing pleasure, the team at ActiveSGV has included highlights from one station chapter below, including images, maps, and project renderings. You can view/download the full plan here.

However before we dive in, a quick review of some of the high-level takeaways from the 5 community walk audits and public input process (image below). Across the five cities local residents strongly favored crosswalk and lighting improvements, shared/multi-use paths, pedestrian plazas, as well as secure bicycle parking and bike share. There was also a recognition that safe roll/bikeways should connect beyond a 1-mile radius of the station, as 3-5 miles was considered a distance that could reasonably be covered by rolling modes within 30 minutes.  

A summary of public input within the plan also highlights a number of other opportunities to create a vibrant walkshed around the City's new station. Examples include new bus stops adjacent to the station to facilitate transit transfers, retail/food service at the depot, wider sidewalks on Garey Ave. south of the tracks, and new street trees to provide shade for people on foot.  

Teamwork makes the dream work. Here at ActiveSGV, we are fortunate and grateful to work alongside some amazing folks! Learn more about our ActiveSGV team through our new series, Staff Spotlight. This month's spotlight is Danielle Zamora. Today is also her 3-year work anniversary!

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I discovered ActiveSGV years ago at an Earth Day event held near my home in North Whittier. It was cool to meet people who were friendly and inviting of others to ride bikes with them, especially since I didn’t feel comfortable biking on the street alone. I followed ActiveSGV on social media for a long time before I made it out to a Bicycle Safety Class held at the Jeff Seymour Family Center and then to a Bike Train. My first Bike Train was the Lunar New Year Bike Train in February 2016 where we rode from Peck Park along the Rio Hondo River Path to Whittier Narrows and Hai Nam Temple. I really appreciated the organizational culture and the types of programs they offered the community, so I selected ActiveSGV for my year long field work and research study for the completion of my Master’s in Community Psychology.

I began volunteering with Women on Wheels and on Bicycle and Pedestrian Data Counts, completed a 3 day training with some of my colleagues to become a League Certified bicycle safety Instructor, and was hired in Summer 2017 to work on the SGV Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  

2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
What I like most about ActiveSGV is being a part of an organization that is actively working to improve the health and sustainability of our neighborhoods. I enjoy organizing and taking part in free community events that get people moving and connect them with their local open spaces and hidden SGV treasures. It’s great to see new and familiar faces when you meet up for rides in different SGV cities.

3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience:
My favorite memory is our 2018 retreat in Death Valley National Park. On our second day of riding we biked up an intense hill to Artist's Palette. It was worth the climb for the sense of accomplishment and to explore the colorful rocks. During a rest break at our destination, we played a game of Sardines (it's like Hide and Seek, but only one person hides while everyone else seeks and then has to hide with them). It wasn’t easy searching for someone hiding in a National Park, but it was a lot of fun. We work hard, but we’re also a playful bunch. 

4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?
I would take them to the West Fork of the San Gabriel Mountains to walk or bike along the scenic road that leads to Cogswell Dam. We would pick wild blackberries and cool off in the river. I would also take them to see James Turrell Skyspace at Pomona College. It’s a whimsical outdoor art installation with a lighted canopy that frames the sky. The canopy is illuminated with changing colors every hour from sunset to sunrise.  

5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:
I can't stop listening to Mitski's album Be the Cowboy. I'm about half way through Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series currently reading Life, the Universe, and Everything. 

Social Media Handles:
Check out my band! @rubbishhousegoons
https://rubbishhousegoons.bandcamp.com/ ​

YOUR input is needed! As always, public support and input is key to make streets safer for everyone. There are two simple ways you can do so.

1. GREATEST IMPACT: Attend the meeting Tuesday June 25th and provide public comment directly to the City Council.

• What: Pico Rivera City Council Meeting - Regional Bikeway Project
• Where: Pico Rivera City Hall, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660
• When: Tuesday 6/25  (6:00pm)
• Item is not agendized for this meeting, but comments can be made at the start of the meeting during the period for Items Not on the Agenda. Just fill out a green comment card and give it to staff at the back

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2. ALSO HELPFUL: Send written comments to the City Council via email here: zcaltitla@pico-rivera.org

• Emails can be very simple, just a few short sentences on why you support safe, protected bike/rollways and improved connections to the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River Paths. We all recommend sharing any relevant experiences biking/walking/scooting on local streets. A sample email and more project information can be found below.

Template Letter of Support (please personalize!)
Pico Rivera City Council
6615 Passons Blvd.
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

Re: I Support the Pico Rivera Regional Bike/Rollway Project

Dear Council Members,

As a [local resident, student, employee, customer, etc], I am pleased to support the City’s efforts to make streets safer for everyone.

Please personalize. Why do you support safer streets for walking/biking/skating/scooting?

The Pico Rivera Regional Bike/Rollway Project would provide safe, separated space for children and people of all ages to walk, bike, skate, scoot, and roll to the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River paths. The project would also provide local and regional benefits, encouraging healthier, active lifestyles and taking a significant step towards realizing a network of safer, more sustainable streets in the City.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
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