That’s a wrap on another season of Easy Access: Connecting People to Parks and Places! Over the past few months, we hosted 11 guided e-bike rides across the San Gabriel Valley, covering 174 miles, serving 438 participants, and providing 219 free e-bike rentals. Together, we explored the Emerald Necklace and visited parks, trails, and landmarks across El Monte, South El Monte, City of Industry, Baldwin Park, Arcadia, and Rosemead.
Easy Access continues to be one of our favorite ways to bring people closer to the SGV’s growing greenway network. Whether it's someone’s first ride on an e-bike or their first time discovering the beauty of our local stormwater channels and trails, these experiences foster joy, connection, and a deeper appreciation for active transportation.
The season brought its fair share of surprises, from spring showers to summer heat, but with misting fans, shade canopies, and a resilient team, we kept the rides rolling and spirits high. One highlight was a 22-mile loop through Santa Fe Dam, where we went off-road, explored an RC Field, and learned about our water systems that flow into the San Gabriel River.
A particularly memorable moment was our group ride to the grand opening of the Merced Avenue Linear Park. With 52 riders strong, we paraded through El Monte and South El Monte, cheered on by neighbors from the sidewalks. It was a powerful reminder of how trails and parks can connect communities and spark joy.
We also stumbled upon some hidden gems, such as CultivaLA, a local nonprofit with a community garden in South El Monte, and the RC Field at Santa Fe Dam, where hobbyists fly model aircraft. These stops reminded us how much there is to discover in our own backyard.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for what’s next: a collaborative ride with AARP, the launch of the Walnut Creek Park Bikeway entrance, and new programming at Santa Fe Dam to celebrate the natural and cultural richness of our region.
We are deeply grateful to our supporters. Easy Access is made possible by Measure A and the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, whose partnership uplifts the essential role of parks in community health and well-being.
