There is nothing like the feeling of the wind in your hair and face while riding a bike or even when you are sprinting the last mile on your run. Making such a ride or run on a dedicated trial is ever better in the Coachella Valley. After 14 years of perseverance, the Coachella Valley proudly celebrated the grand opening of CV Link – a 40-mile pathway connecting communities from Palm Springs to Coachella. Led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), this multimodal corridor was designed and built for cyclists, pedestrians, and low-speed electric vehicles, offering a safer, scenic alternative to busy roadways.

Construction on the 40-mile corridor began in 2017 and was built mostly along the Whitewater River from Highway 111 and the Chino Wash in North Palm Springs to Airport Boulevard in the City of Coachella. CVAG, RCTC, and numerous partners across the county and the state worked together to bring this multimodal trail to life. Through Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County, RCTC was able to support CV Link, and bring innovative mobility options to Coachella Valley that transform how people move.

The new pathway features a dual-path structure: a broad concrete lane catering to cyclists and low-speed electric vehicles, alongside a narrower decomposed granite trail designed for pedestrians and runners. To enhance safety, accessibility, and enjoyment, the facility features numerous shade structures, water stations, benches, bike racks, wayfinding signs, and solar powered LED lights along the pathway and at access points along each section of CV Link. The new trail will also be able to host future events like walks, races, and marathons.

CV Link marks an important step forward to building a resilient, more interconnected transportation system that provides options to residents in all corners of the County. Over the next 15 years, Riverside County will experience one of the largest population increases in the country. RCTC designed the Traffic Relief Plan – a countywide transportation investment blueprint – to address the transportation needs of our rapidly growing region. The Plan includes projects, such as the transformative Coachella Valley Rail, that will provide residents, commuters, and disadvantaged communities with more travel options.

RCTC congratulates CVAG and project partners on delivering the innovative CV Link and looks forward to continuing the momentum on Coachella Valley Rail, CV Sync, and the extension of CV Link to create a more mobile Coachella Valley and beyond.

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and your bike is calling! May is National Bike Month, the annual celebration of cycling that encourages people to dust off that bike, hop on, and hit the road. From the scenic mountain trails to the numerous paved paths, Riverside County offers a variety of opportunities to set out on bike.

Perhaps the most famous of all bike trails in Riverside County is the Santa Ana River Trail. The trail extends from San Bernardino through Riverside County to Orange County, following the Santa Ana River and provides scenic views of the waterway, parks, and other natural areas along the route. When completed, the Santa Ana River Trail will span 110 miles, making it one of the longest continuous trails in southern California.

For those a little more adventurous and seeking rugged terrain, there are numerous recreational areas that deliver such as Sycamore Canyon Park in Riverside. The park features several miles of multi-use trails for hiking, bird watching, and of course, mountain biking. The area provides spectacular views of Riverside and the surrounding areas. 

Riding your bike is more than just recreational – many people use their bike to commute to and from work. Metrolink allows passengers to bring bikes onboard their trains and is offering free rides Monday, May 13 through Friday, 17 as part of a week-long celebration of Bike Week. Just bring your bike and hop on, no ticket needed! Need to ride the bus? Riverside Transit Agency, SunLine Transit Agency, and bus operators across the county provide greater flexibility by making it easy to bring your bike onboard with integrated bike racks on most buses.  

But that’s not all! Commuters who frequently bike to work can earn $5 a day in gift cards and more through IE Commuter. Get fit, save money, reduce time spent in traffic, and improve air quality – all on the way to work. Just sign up through their website to start earning. 

So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road and explore Riverside County through your bike! 

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has become an international movement – encouraging people from all over the world to adopt more sustainable, environmentally-conscious routines. This Earth Day, and every day, RCTC strives to be a good environmental steward while delivering transportation infrastructure improvements and supporting public transportation.

On Monday, April 22, 2024, Riverside County residents are urged to take part in the broader effort to go green. Below are just a few examples of small, but mighty actions you can participate in this Earth Day.

Who doesn’t love FREE rides? Riverside County transit service providers will be offering free rides on Monday, April 22 to encourage sustainable travel options. Metrolink will be offering free rides across the entire network and will not require tickets. Just hop on the train and enjoy a leisurely ride to countless destinations across southern California or leave your car behind on your commute to work!

The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) will be providing free rides on all fixed routes and GoMicro buses. SunLine Transit, Corona Cruiser, and Beaumont Transit will also be offering free rides during Earth Day.

Reduce your carbon footprint, avoid traffic, and earn incentives with IE Commuter! By joining a carpool or vanpool, commuters can streamline trips, reduce time spent in traffic, and win fun prizes. In 2023 alone, the popular program supported over 1,100 regional employers with ridesharing programs and helped reduce 10.7 million pounds of vehicle emissions.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, there are numerous open spaces to enjoy the amazing natural landscapes in our own backyard. As the managing agency of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, RCTC is helping implement the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) to establish a 500,000-acre habitat reserve in the western part of the county. Among the reserves, there are numerous recreational opportunities that feature hiking and bike paths, equestrian trails, and educational centers. To learn more, visit the RCA website.

For the little adventurer in the family, the RCA recently launched the 146 Project aimed at connecting students with nature and educating them about MSHCP-protected species in western Riverside County. Students in grades K-8 can complete fun activities to earn an exclusive fun patch. To learn more, please visit 146project.org.

Let’s do our part and make every day Earth Day.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission recently approved funding for 12 bicycle and pedestrian projects in nine cities under the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program. The program is administered by RCTC and funding is derived from the state’s Local Transportation Fund (LTF). Every two years, RCTC releases a call for projects in which all local agencies within the county can apply. During this year’s funding cycle, the Commission received 29 project proposals from 18 agencies competing for the $6.9 million in available funding.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the engineering or construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, maintenance of bicycle trails, restriping of bicycle lanes, development of bicycle and pedestrian master plans, and bicycle safety education programs.

After careful review, the Commission approved several projects that include street improvements, new bikeways, and a planning study to help shape future development. Nine cities from across the County, including the Coachella Valley, the Temecula Valley, and western Riverside County will be receiving funding.

The 12 projects that were awarded SB 821 funds include:

• City of Jurupa Valley – Pacific Avenue Active Transportation Project ($690,120)
• City of San Jacinto – Lyon Ave. Pedestrian Safety Improvements ($374,948)
• City of Corona – Bicycle Master Plan Update ($400,000)
• City of Indian Wells – Fairway Dr. Complete Street Bicycle and Safety Improvements ($690,120)
• City of Indian Wells – Eldorado Dr. Complete Street Bicycle and Safety Improvements ($690,120)
• City of Menifee – Paloma Wash Pedestrian Bridge ($690,120)
• Cathedral City – Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Routes ($690,000)
• Cathedral City – Perez Rd Class IV Separated Bikeways ($510,000)
• City of Riverside – Citywide Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements Project ($671,887)
• City of Riverside – Stover Avenue Sidewalk Improvements ($594,500)
• City of Temecula – Pauba Road Sidewalk Improvements ($362,600)
• City of Hemet – FY 23/24 Various Street Pedestrian Improvements ($536,786)

Projects that were awarded funds will contribute to public safety, multimodal access, and expansion of commuter options in Riverside County.

Over the last few years, grants for transportation projects have become increasingly competitive as agencies work to address the mobility needs of growing communities. Not only is the grant application process lengthy and complex, but an award is also not guaranteed. Recently, the Riverside County Transportation Commission worked closely with the Riverside Transit Agency, the city of Coachella, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to assemble a series of grant applications for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grants program.

The following five Riverside County projects are approved for funding through the REAP 2.0 program:

• Riverside Transit Agency GoMicro Microtransit Pilot Program Extension ($2,378,635)
• CVAG Vehicle Miles Traveled Study ($2,005,000)
• Riverside County Transportation Commission Core Capacity Innovative Transit Study ($3,000,000)
• City of Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study and Integrated Land Use and Transit Network ($2,005,000)
• CVAG (CV) Link Community Connectors Analysis ($1,700,000)

The REAP 2.0 program was open to County Transportation Commissions, such as the RCTC, to apply for a limited amount of funding for projects aimed at reducing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicles miles traveled. Through these projects, RCTC is not only working to address issues related to congestion and air pollution, but also addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities and encouraging sustainable development that produces economic and environmental benefits.

As part of the REAP 2.0 program, submissions had to demonstrate that the studies and projects would eventually encourage housing development closer to where people live and work, reducing the need to travel long distances. These grants will accelerate the state’s progress towards housing goals and climate commitments through a strengthened partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities.

Construction sites with cranes, excavators, drills, and pavers are actively working on several road and rail projects in Riverside County. With heavy equipment and moving parts comes tremendous responsibility and training. Fortunately, crews working on RCTC projects are well-trained and practice worksite safety daily on the job.

The annual Construction Safety Week reminds construction workers the necessity of worksite safety. Started in 2014, Construction Safety Week brings together agencies, contractors, crews, and all personnel who work on construction projects to advocate for and reflect on safe construction practices. This year’s Construction Safety Week theme is Strong Voices, Safe Choices.

The construction industry and RCTC embrace the dedication to creating a culture and environment in which crews are empowered to step in, speak up, and take action to keep their teams and sites safe so everyone can return to their families at the end of the day.

On the morning of May 1, crews on the Metrolink Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project took a few minutes to discuss the steps they were taking to stay safe while on site during the construction of the new platform and new train tracks. Teams also reflected on the importance of communicating potential dangers, safety advice, and taking action! Crews on the 71/91 Interchange Project also came together to commemorate this week over breakfast and share their experiences with safety on new and past projects.

You can also keep our crews near construction sites. When driving through a construction work zone, please remember:

• Stay Alert
• Pay Close Attention
• Avoid Distractions
• Reduce Speed

For more information on Construction Safety Week and how your construction site can participate, visit constructionsafetyweek.com.

For many of us, going to a doctor’s appointment, picking up groceries, or running other errands simply means hopping into the car for a short drive. For many others, it’s a logistical challenge, especially for seniors and riders with poor health or disabilities.

Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, provides funding for specialized transit options to meet these needs. Through shuttles, vans, and other transport vehicles, these operators offer services that may not be met by traditional transit.

RCTC distributes Measure A grant funding to 15 non-profit and public agencies that provide a range of specialized transit services based on their clients’ needs.

“This grant is a life saver!” said the center’s Executive Director Kim Gerrish. “People going through treatment don’t feel well and often times are unable to drive themselves to and from their treatment appointments. This program allows Michelle’s Place to provide a ride to those who have no other option to get to their appointments. We are so grateful for this grant and this opportunity to provide this resource,” Gerrish said.

“We are very pleased to be a partner of the RCTC Specialized Transit Program and to enhance the lives of adults with disabilities by providing opportunities for independence, development of mobility skills, and community integration,” said Sandra Aldridge, who serves as Director of Marketing and Resource Development for the non-profit agency. “Without this partnership, EXCEED would not be able to provide critical transportation services that can literally transform lives and help our clients become more independent in their effort to reach their maximum potential,” she said.

Here is a full list of Measure A Specialized Transit Program grant funding recipients.

For more information about the program, please email specializedtransit@rctc.org or call 951-787-7141 and ask for the Specialized Transit Program staff.

Earth Day is a day of celebration, action, and reflection. RCTC and agency partners are helping our planet by providing and advocating for sustainable solutions in transportation and land conservation. Here’s how to get involved:

Always be alert around rail crossings and remember:

• The only safe place to cross the railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing
• It can take a mile or more for a train to stop – the length of 18 football fields
• Railroad property is private property. It is illegal to be on railroad right-of-way unless you are at a designated crossing
• Trains hang over the tracks at least three feet in both directions. If you are next to the tracks, you can be hit
• Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing
• DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing

Over the past few weeks, RCTC, through the Operation Lifesaver program, has participated in the Downtown Riverside Lunar New Year Festival, the Corona Kids and Cops Holiday event, the Moreno Valley Holiday Snow Day, and the City of Perris Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to remind communities about the dangers of railroad tracks. With schools back to in-person instruction and with more residents out and about in their communities, everyone needs to be alert around rail crossings.

Interested in a rail safety presentation for your child’s school or for a community group in Riverside County? RCTC is available! Our California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) team of trained volunteers can schedule a free virtual or in-person presentation tailored for any grade level or public gathering. Please email your request to RailSafetyEducation@rctc.org or call RCTC at at 951-787-7141.

The Point: Trail could extend another 1.7 miles near Green River Golf Club

During preparation of the draft document under the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act, the Regional Park and Open Space District determined that the project would not result in a significant impact to the environment.

Copies of the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration and other reference documents are available for review at Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, 4600 Crestmore Rd., Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.  These documents are also available for viewing and download.

If approved, construction could begin in about two years. This $11 million construction segment is funded by the Proposition 84 State Coastal Conservancy.