Throughout 2026, ActiveSGV's Easy Access program helped hundreds of residents discover local parks, trails, and community spaces by bike. Through free community rides, pop-up events, and opportunities to try electric bikes, Easy Access created welcoming spaces where people of all ages could build confidence, connect with neighbors, and experience active transportation firsthand.
Over the course of 22 events, Easy Access engaged more than 1,260 community members across the San Gabriel Valley. Participants traveled more than 106 miles on community rides and had over 400 opportunities to try GoSGV e-bikes, many for the very first time.
The program's popups quickly became a familiar part of community life, especially at Walnut Creek Nature Park in Baldwin Park. Across 15 popup events, nearly 1,000 residents stopped by to learn about biking, test ride e-bikes, and connect with ActiveSGV staff.
Many participants returned week after week. Families made the popups part of their weekend routine, creating a welcoming space where neighbors could gather, learn, and spend time outdoors. One family's experience captured the spirit of the program. They first attended a popup to help their daughter learn how to ride a bicycle using one of ActiveSGV's bikes. After gaining confidence, she invited additional family members to join future events. Before long, the family had become regular participants, attending nearly every Baldwin Park popup and encouraging others to ride.
The popups also helped people reconnect with bicycling after years away from the activity. Several participants shared that they had not ridden in years and appreciated having a supportive, low-pressure environment to get back on a bike. One group of women said they had not ridden in six years before attending a popup together. Others discovered the benefits of e-bikes for the first time and left excited to continue riding.
Beyond the popups, Easy Access group rides gave participants the opportunity to explore local parks, trails, and community destinations in a supportive group setting. Seven community rides brought together more than 270 participants and introduced riders to destinations including Whittier Narrows, Legg Lake, Bosque del Rio Hondo, Merced Linear Park, Walnut Creek Nature Park, La Madera Community Garden, and the San Gabriel River Trail.
These rides helped participants experience familiar places from a new perspective while learning about local environmental restoration efforts, community resources, and active transportation routes. Participants shared how biking helped reduce stress, improve their health, and spend quality time outdoors with friends and family. One participant recovering from a broken foot and knee injury said biking helped strengthen her lower body and support her recovery.
The Easy Access program demonstrated the power of removing barriers to bicycling. When people have access to bikes, supportive staff, and safe places to ride, they are more likely to explore their communities, spend time outdoors, improve their health, and connect with others.
While the 2026 season marks the conclusion of Easy Access, its impact will continue through the riders, families, and community members who discovered new ways to experience the San Gabriel Valley. Stay tuned for future ActiveSGV programs and opportunities to ride, explore, and connect with your community.
