April brought longer days, much-needed rain, and a packed calendar of community events, rides, and Earth Month celebrations across the San Gabriel Valley. From schoolyards to storm drains, local residents showed up to learn, ride, and help shape a greener future.

The month kicked off with a visit to Cortada Elementary School for the El Monte City School District’s “Leader in Me” assembly. ActiveSGV joined to share details about the Living Schoolyards initiative, which will bring trees, gardens, and outdoor classrooms to campuses like Cortada. Students were excited to learn that their schoolyard will soon be transformed into a space where they can play, learn, and enjoy nature.

Throughout the month, ActiveSGV continued its outreach for the San Gabriel Valley Greenway Network Strategic Implementation Plan. We hosted three educational bike rides along the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River corridors, highlighting key areas for future greenways. These rides gave participants a firsthand look at the potential for improved paths that support recreation and safe, active transportation.

In addition to the rides, our team conducted a series of community presentations and outreach activities. We had the chance to present to the Boba Bicycle Club and connect with local residents at neighborhood events. We also participated in several Earth Day festivals—including in Glendora, Baldwin Park, and Alhambra—where community members explored project maps, gave feedback on proposed routes, and learned how greenways can enhance access to parks, reduce pollution, and connect communities. The input gathered throughout April helped inform and finalize the draft plan.

On April 5, we hosted the 8th ride in our E-ASY Access series, the Spring Bloom Ride. Forty-three participants joined us for a 19-mile journey from the Jeff Seymour Family Center to the Santa Fe Dam Nature Center. The scenic ride welcomed many new faces, and riders shared how riding with experienced marshals helped them feel safe and supported. We also tested new pacing strategies based on feedback from previous rides, making the experience smoother for all.

Later in the month, 33 riders came together for the SGV Greenway Ride on April 19. The group explored a nearly 9-mile loop starting at Walnut Creek Park in Baldwin Park, tracing a segment of the future SGV Greenway Network. Participants shared personal stories about how greenways can improve mobility and quality of life—one rider from Rosemead emphasized how safer bike paths allow him to travel longer distances with more confidence.

Earth Day weekend was packed with community events and celebrations. In Glendora, we partnered with Alta Planning and the City to host walking tours along the Little Dalton Wash, a greenway project currently in the design phase. Despite rainy weather, turnout was strong and attendees offered thoughtful input on how to shape the future corridor. In Baldwin Park, we joined the city’s Earth and Arbor Day event with an electric cargo bike demo, free mulch and tree giveaways, and activities led by Tree People and Waste Management. On Sunday, April 27, we participated in the Alhambra Eco Fair at Burke Heritage Park, where we shared updates on the park’s upcoming stormwater project and spoke with attendees about how it will help filter runoff while adding new green features.

That same weekend, riders came together for a community bike ride along the Merced Avenue Greenway in South El Monte. The group pedaled through the recently completed section, with rainfall offering a real-time look at the stormwater capture features in action. Community outreach and design efforts are now underway for the next phase of the greenway, which will extend north of Rush Street.

To close out the month, our GoSGV team attended the Sustainable Claremont Earth Day celebration, where Foothill and Inland Empire communities gathered at Shelton Park to explore sustainability efforts. Over 5,000 attendees enjoyed booths, workshops, and hands-on activities. Our team distributed new bikes and spoke with residents about the GoSGV e-bike share program.

Meanwhile, our Climate Team remained active across the San Gabriel Valley. From Earth Day tabling in El Monte and LA Puente to student engagement across EMCSD campuses, we had many conversations around shade, heat, and climate resilience. Forty-three individuals signed the California Climate Pledge, and school visits helped build momentum for the CalFire Greening Schoolyards project.

As we close out a month full of community engagement and environmental action, we’re looking ahead to May—Bike Month! We have a great lineup of group rides, events, and opportunities to connect with our bike roots. Stay up to date with what’s next by following us on social media or signing up for our monthly newsletter.