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.

The Point: RCTC Encourages Motorists to Explore Alternatives to Driving Solo during Rideshare Week, October 7-11

Tired of sitting in traffic, day after day? The Riverside County Transportation Commission and partnering organizations are asking you to Reimagine Your Commute during Rideshare Week, October 7-11. Imagine saving money, reducing stress, improving your health, and decreasing pollution by joining a carpool or vanpool, hopping on the train or bus, and biking or walking to work.

But wait, there’s more! Commuters who make a pledge and share rides at least once during Rideshare Week are eligible for a chance to win bunches and bunches of great prizes, including a swanky bicycle from Media Beef, a one-night stay with breakfast at the Doubletree Ontario Airport, a fishing trip and whale watching tickets from Dana Wharf, a recliner from La-Z-Boy West, and even a Samsung tablet and Apple Watch from WSP USA, to track all of your steps. More prizes are up for grabs; check out the complete list at IECommuter.org.

RCTC reminds you that it pays to share rides. Whether you are thinking about ridesharing or you are already enrolled through IE Commuter, check out these incentives:

In addition, if you are enrolled in an employer-based ridesharing program through IE Commuter and need to work late or get home for an emergency, IE Commuter offers a guaranteed ride home via transportation network company, taxi, rental car or transit, up to four times per year. Click here for more information.

Want to talk to a ridesharing representative? Call 1-866-RIDESHARE (866-743-3742) to learn more.