Editor's note: both proposals were formally selected for funding in June 2014!

In February 2013, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) launched the highly anticipated "Open Streets" Program, which sets aside $2 million in competitive funding for Cities in LA County to host Open Streets events. The goals of the program are to encourage sustainable modes of transportation (biking, walking, and transit), provide an opportunity to take transit for the first time, and foster civic engagement. 

In anticipation of this opportunity, BikeSGV released a vision for CicloSGVia, a 50-mile, multi-jurisdiction "Open Streets" event that would connect the many attractive destinations and diverse communities in the San Gabriel Valley. The project was presented to stakeholders, City Councils, and various resident groups throughout the region in hopes of garnering local support. Although many regarded the idea as wildly ambitious, it was successful in creating a buzz and provoking conversation about the possibility of hosting Open Streets events in the SGV. 

As soon as the application became available for agencies to review, BikeSGV organizers followed up with City staff, decision-makers, and stakeholders in over a dozen SGV cities to strongly encourage their participation and partnership with neighboring communities to develop competitive and, more importantly, significant events. In the City of South Pasadena, Council Member Michael Cacciotti immediately recognized the new funding as an opportunity to host a major event in conjunction with the opening of the Gold Line Foothill extension. 

The outcome of this process: TWO (2) compelling and very attractive proposals - 1) SGV Golden Streets and 2) SGV Earth Day Festival - were formally submitted for Metro funding thanks to the efforts of BikeSGV organizers, volunteers, and local leaders such as Council Member Cacciotti of South Pasadena.

Proposed event: SGV Golden Streets would link the Meridian Gold Line Station in South Pasadena with new stations in the Cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale, and Azusa.

Proposed route: 18.4 miles along Mission St., Fair Oaks Ave., Huntington Dr., Foothill Blvd. 

Proposed Date: Spring 2016, in conjunction with the opening of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension.

Project Goals: 

• Raise awareness about the Gold Line Foothill Extension and future plans;
• Encourage local residents to walk, bike, skate and scoot to the new Gold Line stations;
• Allow local residents of all ages and abilities to experience streets from a unique perspective.

Participating Communities

• South Pasadena (lead applicant)
• San Marino
• East Pasadena
• Arcadia
• Monrovia
• Duarte
• Irwindale
• Azusa

More Information: Please visit the project webpage for the proposed route map and more.

Proposed Event: The SGV Earth Day Festival will consolidate various Earth Day activities in multiple cities by closing streets to motor vehicles while the public is afforded creative, exploratory freedom. 

Proposed Route: 13.5 miles along Garvey Ave, Las Tunas Dr, Del Mar Ave. and connects the El Monte Valley Mall, Downtown Monterey Park, San Gabriel Mission District, and Downtown Temple City. 

Proposed Date: Earth Day, April 19, 2015 

Project Goals

• Promote healthier environments, active living, and sustainable communities;
• Encourage using the public transit system coupled with walking and biking;
• Provide free family-oriented activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Participating Communities

• El Monte (lead applicant)
• Monterey Park
• South El Monte
• Rosemead
• San Gabriel
• Temple City

More Information: Please visit the project webpage for the proposed route map and more.

Proud Supporters

The below-listed groups/organizations/leaders endorsed one or both of the proposed SGV Open Streets Events by providing an official Letter of Support!  

• Asian Pacific Islander Obesity Prevention Alliance (APIOPA)
• Day One
• Gold Line Construction Authority
• San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
• South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
• California Historic Route 66 Association
• Pasadena Athletic Association
• Supervisor Mike Antonovich
• Assemblymember Chris Holden
• Senator Carol Liu
• Congresswoman Judy Chu
• Aztlan Athletics
• Move Monrovia

What are "Open Streets"?

"Open Streets" events temporarily restrict automobile traffic to "open" roads for community members all ages to walk, bike, dance, play, jog, run, socialize and more!  Although relatively new to southern California - the first, regular event CicLAvia was hosted in October 2010 -- Open Streets events have grown tremendously in popularity across the United States in recent years, with hundreds of Cities participating with their own events every year.  

Support These Efforts, Become a Member Today.

Becoming a member of BikeSGV is the best way to support these efforts. All proceeds are reinvested into the organization to continue advancing issues that you care about.

Consider joining/renewing and/or making a tax-deductible donation today to support our work to realize awesome infrastructure projects and innovative bike events to the SGV! Sign up today!