The bicycle movement in San Gabriel Valley is finally gaining real traction. Hitherto, the last couple weeks have been a testament to that exact sentiment.  

Monday, June 18The Monterey Road Advisory Committee in the city of South Pasadena met to review research findings and proposed plans for Monterey Road between Fair Oaks Ave. and Pasadena Ave.  The committee is considering all possible options, including fixing the sidewalks and maintaining the status quo, a road diet with BIKE LANES, or even possibly a PROTECTED BIKE LANE!

The Cal-Tech Bike Lab launches a petition in the city of Pasadena to extend bike lanes on Cordova Ave west of Lake Ave and to consider installing bike lanes on the very wide one-way streets Green St and Union St. In addition, we ask Pasadena to consider placing bike sharrows on Del Mar Ave to improve the use of this route for cyclists. These improvements will create an east-west bike corridor and help make streets safer for everyone - cyclists, pedestrians, and cars alike.


Wednesday, June 20 
The City Council of Monterey Park approved the purchase of street furniture by the downtown BIDAC (business improvement district) which includes the purchase of 10 bike racks for use by the public within the city's downtown district. Funds for the purchase will come from district and transportation funds. Other than heavily utilized bike racks at Atlantic Times Square (suggested by BikeSGV) and older style racks at the library and city hall, there are no other bike racks installed elsewhere within the city. With more and more cyclists along the city's main thoroughfare, BikeSGV is excited about the purchase and look forward to its installation along Garvey Avenue. The exact location of each of the ten bike racks will be determined by city staff. BikeSGV would prefer businesses and property owners be involved in the selection as well. If you live, shop or work within Monterey Park and like to see bike rack where you are at, we encourage you to email us so we can forward your thoughts to the city.

Thursday, June 21
The City of San Gabriel hosted Circle the Square in the mission district, a lovely night with outdoor dining, museums, a silent movie, drawing competitions, music, art and free bike valet compliments of Bike SGV.

Sunday, June 25
Bike SGV hosted the sixth consecutive Bike Train from the new location at Legg Lake and released the flier with remaining dates for 2012. 

Monday, June 26
Bike SGV's is invited to present to the Public Works Technical Advisory Committee of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.  Other presentations included; LA County Bicycle Master Plan, Metro Bike Plan, Watershed Conservation Authority Bike Planning, Congestion Mitigation Study by Metro and more. With approximately forty in attendance, there seemed to be a general consensus that the bicycle is now considered to be a viable form of mobility.  

The City of Alhambra awards Alta Planning & Design with a contract to develop a master bike plan.  Now it's simply a matter of mobilizing Alhambrians to get their input in the overall design of the bike route system.  Congratulations Alhambra, you are on your way to getting two thumbs up for being bike friendly.  Kudos! 

Tuesday, June 29 
Bike SGV stops by to express support for the inclusion of bicycle amenities in the Metro Gold Line Foothill extension.  Hosted by the Construction Authority, the open house at the Arcadia Library was very informative.  Construction plans along with adjoining artwork were revealed for the Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale, Azusa-Alameda and Azusa-Citrus station. 

The CA Assembly Transportation Committee approves Senate Bill 1464, the 3-foot passing bill, by 9-3 at the State Capitol yesterday. 

The Future
Fridays, 4pm-8pm - Monterrey Park Farmers Market and bike valley by Bike SGV.  

Last Sunday of every month, 9am-2pm - SGV Bike Train starting at Legg Lake.

August 4 - Baldwin Park's Pride of the Valley 5K adds a bike ride and Bike SGV pit stop to this year's annual race and community event. Come join us for a fun ride around Baldwin Park. 

The support for a bicycle friendly San Gabriel Valley is mounting! Stay tuned for more updates.

For the previous five months the Bike Train has been departing from the Santa Fe Dam.  
Today was our first departure from our new starting location at Legg Lake, Whittier Narrows.  

Despite minor logistical set backs, the Bike Train managed to ride on. Nine riders took to the pavement and made their way up to the Santa Fe Dam. Many thanks to the new comers and loyal friends who joined us today. We look forward to situating ourselves at Legg Lake as we continue to host these bike rides. 

Don't forget to mark your calendar.  The next SGV Bike Train is Sunday, July 29th.  See you at Legg Lake.

Our good friends at the City of San Gabriel are hosting a fun and lively summer fest in the historic Mission District.  We invite you to "Circle the Square" with us on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 5-9pm.  The evening will feature outdoor dining, museums, a silent movie, drawing competitions, music, art and other family friendly activities. 

The Mission District is home to architecturally distinctive public open space with a beautiful civic & cultural backdrop.  Making for a top tourist destination in California, it truly is a treat to have this landmark in our backyard.

To further enhance your experience we at Bike SGV invite you to ride your bike in. We know, we know, you're not sure where to park your bike??? Bike SGV will be providing FREE bike valet. So please feel welcome to enjoy some freedom and fresh air on your way in.  Don't forget your helmet and lights. 

For additional information please visit http://www.sangabrielcity.com/calendar.aspx?EID=29

No great feat is ever accomplished without teamwork. Today's 12th edition of the LA River Ride proved exactly that. A comprehensive network of friends, partners, members, volunteers and overall like-minded people gathered to orchestrate today's grand scale event that captured over 1,500 cyclists.  The day began with an overcast that was perfectly suitable for a 100, 70, 50, 36 or 15-mile bike ride. 

Team Bike SGV arrived on scene at Maywood River Front Park and set up to accomodate well over 800 cyclists.  The air was finely perfumed with freshly cut oranges as the century riders  stopped by for an ice cold selection of Zico Coconut/Mango water and Zenify relaxation drinks.  Shortly after the 70, 50 and 36 milers made there way in to relax, stretch, refuel and hydrate. After catching some shade and getting their fill of delectable pub style crackers, Cliff Crunch bars and bananas the riders headed off to meet their noodle legs along the Los Angeles River. 

By mid-day, the sun crept it's way through the clouds to add further color to our day.  The music maintained a groovy tone while our mechanic kept himself busy tuning chains, brakes, gears, wheels and more.  But it was truly old friends, familiar faces, new acquaintances and friendly encounters that turned out to be the highlight of our day.  

We received countless "thank you's" through out the day for our volunteer efforts, but it's us, Bike SGV that thank YOU, the cyclist.  It is because of you that we exist and the reason that drives our passion for improving our communities. Thank you all for making our day!

A BIG SPECIAL THANKS goes out to our very supportive Bike SGV team of volunteers.  Your dedicated efforts propels our organization forward as we strive to be the change we want to see in our communities. We appreciate you greatly! Kudos to solid TEAMWORK!

We hope your ready for the 12th edition of the LA River Ride this coming Sunday, June 10th.  Featuring a 100-mile, 70-mile, 50-mile, 36-mile, 15-mile and a kids ride...there's fun for everyone!  So dust off your bike, grease up those gears and join us for a fun filled day along the Los Angeles River!  

Bike SGV will be hosting a pit stop at the 36-mile turn around point at Maywood River Front Park.  Feel welcome to stop by for some tunes, refreshments, snacks, swag and more.  We also invite you to learn more about our efforts in the San Gabriel Valley.  Don't be shy to give us a hi-5 in exchange for one our Bike SGV stickers. 

For more information or to register for the 12th Annual River Ride visit http://la-bike.org/riverride

The City of Monterey Park debut's their Farmer's Market this Friday, June 8th from 4pm - 8pm.  We invite and encourage all folks in the local vicinity to ride their bikes and experience the farmer's market in a whole new way. 

Be sure to stop by the Bike SGV booth for tips on safely riding on public streets, especially if you have fresh fruits, vegetables and other goodies to carry home with you. We also have FREE swag to distribute so please stop by, say hi and mingle with us.  We'd would love to gain your perspective about how San Gabriel Valley can be more bike friendly.  

Don't forget to ask for a free Bike SGV sticker for your bike! See you Friday!