Month: March 2018

Not long ago it would be hard to imagine that visuals of riding a bike and the theme of “living car-free” would be the primary selling points for new homes in Azusa.   But the changes in transportation and the preferences of a new generation are evolving expectations and values.  All the Foothill cities want to desired places to live, with vibrant local economies and downtowns.  For this to happen, they will need to embrace and manage a shift from the traditional, car-driven design of the recent past.  

LVBC newsletter for the month of March is out.  You can find it here:  LVBC March Update

What’s better than going to see a move about bikes?   Going to a dinner at a bike friendly business that has great food.    Start the night right by joining others at Pappas at 6:00pm. Then go over to the University of La Verne and watch the Bicycle Revolution documentary (which was partially filmed at Pappas).

Stay updated by following the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/401946050217106/

Mark this on your calendar and come get in the spirit for the upcoming CicLaVia “Heart of the Foothills”.  University of La Verne and La Verne Bicycle Coalition are co-sponsoring a La Verne showing of the short documentary Bicycle Revolution.  The film follows a Harvey Mudd Political Science class as they ride to twelve cities to experience each from a bicycle, and talk with leaders in each city.  Claremont, Pomona, San Dimas and La Verne are all featured in the film.

There will be tables with information from many local groups, CiclaVia, the Local Bike Stand, Dockless bikeshare bikes to try, and others.  The film will be followed with a short panel discussion about efforts and progress La Verne is making to becoming more bike and pedestrian friendly.  Best of all the cost is free.

La Verne’s approval to develop an Active Transportation Plan, and ongoing efforts to improve were featured in the Daily Bulletin on March, 8th.

La Verne makes moves to become more bicycle-friendly

La Verne Chamber of Commerce is highlighting CicLAvia Heart of the Foothills in its newsletter today. When CicLaVia’s first comes to new cities, there can be concerns and even resistance related to closed streets, loss of access and loss of business.

It’s encouraging that the Chamber is embracing the event and actively supporting it.  Anytime bicycling and walking can be linked with business benefit is a win for users, the business and the City.  We are hopeful this builds partnerships and momentum as La Verne seeks to become more bike and pedestrian friendly.

Read more here: La Verne Chamber of Commerce eExchange March 6

 

In a strictly procedural vote, the La Verne City Council approved an agreement with Kittelson & Associates for the creation of an Active Transportation Plan for La Verne.   This work will be performed concurrently with the General Plan, and be incorporated into the “Mobility” section of the General Plan. 

La Verne is one of the few area cities that did not have an Active Transportation Plan in place or development.  This is a welcomed step forward.  It provides La Verne with the opportunity to move into a leadership position by having the most current plan in the area, and by adopting evolving best practices for Active Transportation. 

You can find out more about Kittleson & Associates and their work here: Kittleson & Associates

There is a national effort to formalize a network of formal bicycle routes across the country.  The model is based on the very successful and expanding network in Europe(EuroVelo), and is coordinated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).   While the network is largely mapped out in the US, individual states must formally adopt the portions within their states.  To date, twenty-five states have adopted portions.

California has not yet implemented its portion of the network, but this appears to be changing, as the state is now preparing to formally implement the routes.  La Verne will have one of these routes travelling through it (USBR66).  

Find out more about what California is doing here:  https://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/blog/behind-the-scenes-the-u-s-bicycle-route-system-in-california/

 

CicLaVia released a new map for the April 22, 2018 Heart of the Foothills.  The new map shows the “Hub” for La Verne moving from Kuns Park to D Street.  This is a great move as it brings increased exposure to La Verne’s historic old downtown and the merchants.