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! 

Riding a bike can be a great source of exercise and fun. Bicycling with the warm sun and breeze is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon or have an adventure with friends and family.  But using a bike to get to work, school, and other appointments can be a great way to enjoy the open air while participating in multimodal, active transportation. Over the years, transit providers have made it easier to take a bicycle on board allowing riders to cover longer distances.

Riverside County transit providers, including local bus operators and Metrolink, have incorporated bike use into their transit structure by offering bike racks on buses and bike cars on Metrolink – making it possible to travel with your bike locally and regionally.

Want to take your bike on a new trek in Los Angeles or to Orange County. It’s easy to do while the weather is perfect across the Inland Empire to discover new regional destinations. Check out some of the bike-friendly travel options from Riverside County and regional transit providers.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission is proud to support active transportation programs that help reduce dependency on driving and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Riding a bike to work also qualifies as a rideshare mode in which you can receive incentives through the IE Commuter program.

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.