Active Streets “Corazón-del-Valle” will open up five miles of streets for the public to walk, bike, run, skate, scoot, dance, and play in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley on Sunday, November 2nd.

The first ciclovia in the Cities of El Monte and South El Monte since 2019, the event will connect participants to historic downtown El Monte, businesses along Garvey Avenue, two community parks, the South El Monte Civic Center, and the Jeff Seymour Family Center, among other community destinations.

Along the way, participants will be able to explore three distinct activity hubs with live music and visual artists, food and fare from local small businesses, and interactive programs from a diverse array of community organizations and groups. Hub highlights include:

• South El Monte: performances from the Valle Lindo School District Dance teams, creative inflatables,  fruit tree giveaway, and live Latin/Funk music from the Soto band;
• Downtown El Monte: Dia de los Muertos celebrations, community ofrenda, utility box mural making, giant bubbles and games, and performances from Mariachi las Catrinas;
• Jeff Seymour Family Center: children’s art programming, Olympic games, and e-family bike demos.

The day will also feature a welcome ceremony with local dignitaries, including Gabe the Sasquatch, at 10:45 am in front of the South El Monte Civic Center. A detailed list of hub activities can be found here.

“It’s been six years since a ciclovia was last staged in the heart of the SGV”,  shared ActiveSGV Deputy Director Wes Reutimann. “This Active Streets route celebrates the rich diversity of this part of the valley, from the urban greening oasis at the Jeff Seymour Family Center in El Monte – home of ActiveSGV – to the vibrant South El Monte Civic Center.”

“Corazón del Valle is an exciting opportunity for our residents to reimagine our streets as spaces for fun, movement, and community connection,” said San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President Ed Reece. “We’re proud to host this celebration in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, showcasing the vibrant culture, local businesses, and community organizations that make this region so special. We look forward to welcoming families, neighbors, and visitors of all ages to enjoy, explore, and connect.”

Participants can attend the event via Metrolink (El Monte Station), Metro Bus (El Monte Station), or Metro Rail (the closest Metro Rail A Line station in Arcadia is about a 15-minute bike ride to the event route). Children four or under ride free on Metro buses and trains. Bikes and scooters may be brought on board at no extra cost.

Active Streets “Corazón-del-Valle” is made possible by Metro Los Angeles, hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, and supported by the Cities of El Monte and South El Monte. More event info can be found at activestreets.org, and ActiveSGV-owned photos from the 2019 edition can be accessed here.

• WHAT:   Active Streets | Corazón del Valle presented by Metro
• WHEN:     Sunday, November 2, 2025 (9 am-3 pm) - 10:45 am - Welcome Ceremony at South El Monte Hub‍
• WHO:     All ages, family friendly!‍
• WHERE:   El Monte, South El Monte‍
• INFO:   activestreets.org #ActiveStreets #GabeTheSasquatch

Active San Gabriel Valley (ActiveSGV) is a community-based organization committed to realizing a more sustainable and equitable San Gabriel Valley. In addition to organizing Active Streets, ActiveSGV offers a wide array of FREE year-round programming, including GoSGV E-Bike Share and physical activity programming (e.g., yoga classes, community rides). For more information, please visit: activeSGV.org.

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is a regional government planning agency that aims to maximize the quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley. A joint powers authority consisting of 31 incorporated cities and unincorporated communities, the SGVCOG is the largest and most diverse sub-regional council of governments in Los Angeles County, encompassing more than 374 square miles and serving more than 2 million residents. For more information, please visit: sgvcog.org.