March was filled with community connections, outdoor learning, and major milestones across the San Gabriel Valley. From the grand opening of the Merced Avenue Greenway and a scenic E-asy Access Ride to youth-led transit exploration and hands-on schoolyard greening efforts, the month brought together residents of all ages to reimagine public spaces. Read on for highlights from bike safety events, forest hikes, and new projects shaping a healthier, more connected San Gabriel Valley.
March began with a major milestone for the City of South El Monte: the grand opening of the Merced Avenue Greenway. On Saturday, March 1st, over 200 community members, city officials, and project partners gathered to celebrate the transformation of 0.65 miles of Merced Avenue into a safer, greener, and more resilient community corridor. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a symbolic dove release, underscoring the community’s commitment to green infrastructure and active transportation. At the heart of the new Greenway is an innovative stormwater capture system, which uses porous concrete and bio-infiltration planters to collect and treat an average of 21.5 acre-feet of stormwater annually. The project also introduces the San Gabriel Valley’s first sidewalk-level bike path, designed to enhance safety and comfort for people walking and biking.
In tandem with the grand opening, ActiveSGV hosted a 10-mile E-asy Access Ride to celebrate the new Class 4 protected bike lanes along Merced Avenue. Fifty-two participants joined the ride, which began at the Jeff Seymour Family Center and showcased the improved connection between the Rio Hondo River Trail and South El Monte’s neighborhoods. The ride not only highlighted the significance of the new infrastructure but also demonstrated how projects like the Greenway help link parks, schools, and local destinations in a way that’s safe and accessible for all. These rides offer a fun, educational experience while reinforcing the value of complete streets that support people-powered transportation.
The celebration of the Merced Avenue Greenway continued throughout the month with community presentations at the South El Monte Senior Center and SPIRITT Family Services. Residents shared their appreciation for the safety improvements and beautification efforts, and other organizations expressed interest in bringing similar projects to their communities. ActiveSGV also interviewed seven local community members, who reflected on the Greenway’s early impact, the importance of promoting safe riding habits, and their hopes for how the space will continue to unite people.
As part of the Green SGV Voucher program, participants were invited to attend E-Family and Cargo Bike Demo events to explore the capabilities of electric cargo bikes up close. These hands-on sessions allowed residents to test-ride various models, ask questions, and get a feel for how these bikes could serve their daily needs—from carrying groceries to transporting children. In addition to riding, participants learned about key safety practices, including how to properly fit and wear a helmet, how to transport passengers and cargo safely, and tips for navigating busy streets. These events are essential in helping residents build confidence and expand their mobility options in an affordable, sustainable way.
Youth leadership and learning were also on full display this month. On March 22nd, ActiveSGV hosted a transit tour as part of the Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Fellowship, which includes nine South El Monte students. The day began at the El Monte Bus Station and ended in Pasadena, with stops at Union Station and a guided walking tour of Old Town led by Liz Schiller from the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition. Students explored local transit systems and walked through a community that has made significant strides in implementing complete streets. Along the way, they learned about the history of Pasadena and gained new perspectives on how thoughtful planning can improve mobility, access, and safety. The experience left the youth feeling inspired and energized to bring similar improvements to their neighborhoods.
Also this month, the schoolyard at San Rafael Elementary in Pasadena continued its transformation thanks to the support of the Cygnet Foundation and the dedication of local volunteers. Community members came together to green the campus by planting new trees, spreading wood chips, and installing natural log benches to create a more inviting and shaded outdoor space for students. The project also includes a vibrant native plant and fauna mural, which will soon brighten the playground. The improvements aim to support outdoor learning, provide natural play elements, and foster greater appreciation for native landscapes among students and their families.
ActiveSGV also featured two nature-focused events as part of the Forest Resiliency and Youth Engagement (FRYE) Program. Community members joined ActiveSGV for a 1.5-mile hike at the Coldbrook Campground Overlook Trail, followed by a Trail Mixer held at the Glendora Public Library’s Friends Room. These events provided a chance to learn about forest health and wildfire prevention while building community through shared outdoor experiences. Participants helped prepare their own trail mix and discussed the importance of protecting local ecosystems. The FRYE program, which wraps up its final work this month on Glendora Mountain Road, is focused on reducing wildfire risk through invasive species removal and fuel reduction in the San Gabriel Mountains. It also provides meaningful job training for young adults from underserved communities, thanks to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection funding through California Climate Investments.
As March wraps up, we’re gearing up for a vibrant April full of opportunities to get involved and stay active in the SGV. Coming up next month: a return of our E-asy Access Ride series with a visit to Santa Fe Dam, more community volunteer days, and hands-on workshops focused on food equity, outdoor learning, and sustainability. We’ll also continue our efforts to support active transportation and green schoolyards across the region. Stay connected and be part of what’s next—sign up for our newsletter to keep up with events, programs, and ways to get involved.
