August 2025

August 2025

Hello South Pas Active friends,

We continue to advocate for ways to improve the quality of life for South Pasadenans via walk- and bike-friendly policies. From celebrating the growth of our Bike Bus program to launching our "Twenty is Plenty!" speed limit campaign, we're working on multiple fronts to create healthier, more sustainable South Pasadena.

In This Issue:

• Bike Bus & Walk Bus Program - Now serving five routes across the city

• Traffic Safety Memorial - Remembering lives lost and advocating for change

• "Twenty is Plenty!" Campaign - Does your street qualify for reduced speed limits? The city is reviewing limits, but is not using its new authority to reduce limits on 19 streets.

• Action Alert - Support Pasadena's All Ages & Abilities Greenways project

• Week Without Driving - Join the September 29-October 5 challenge

• 🚲 Bike Bus & Walk Bus Program Expands to Five Routes!

Our popular Bike Bus and Walk Bus program has grown significantly for the new school year, now serving five routes across the city. We're proud to continue our collaboration with the PTAs at Marengo Elementary and Arroyo Vista Elementary to create safe, fun, and healthy ways for students to get to school together.

These organized walking and biking groups not only promote active transportation but also build community connections and teach children valuable road safety skills.

Learn more and find your route: southpasactive.org/projects/bike-bus

• 💔 Remembering Lives Lost, Advocating for Change

On Wednesday, August 20th, South Pas Active members joined the City Council meeting to provide public comment in support of Marengo Matters. We were there to mark a solemn occasion—the three-year anniversary of the tragic traffic fatality on Marengo Avenue. Heartbreakingly, this memorial coincided with news of another traffic fatality on Pasadena Avenue.

As shown in the images, the connection between speed and safety is crystal clear: higher speeds dramatically increase both the likelihood of crashes and their severity, especially for vulnerable road users including pedestrians, bicyclists, seniors, and children. Beyond safety, excessive vehicle speeds also contribute to increased noise pollution, air pollution, and reduced fuel efficiency.

The stark reality is that our city's traffic fatality rate is approximately 30 times higher than cities that prioritize safety-focused street design. South Pasadena averages about one traffic fatality per year. This is unacceptable.

• -🛣️ "Twenty is Plenty!" - Our New Speed Limit Campaign

Did you know that South Pasadena is currently reviewing speed limits citywide? Even better news—the city now has expanded authority to reduce speed limits thanks to recent state legislation through AB 43. In short, streets near schools, senior care centers, and areas with high pedestrian and cycling activity are eligible for reductions by 5 mph below the existing standard.

Other cities are acting on this new authority, including LA, Glendale, and Long Beach. Why not South Pas? Because we haven't asked for it!

South Pas Active is starting a campaign to lower speed limits in the city under its new local authority. The city proposed a new speed limit map in June of 2025 and it included no changes based on AB 43. We have reanalyzed the city's data and identified 19 street segments that qualify for new reductions.

• Review our analysis: Speed Limit Analysis Spreadsheet

• Take action: comment to the city council to say that you'd like them to use AB 43 to reduce speed limits!

• Stay tuned for the revised plan as it appears in the Public Works Infrastructure Commission and, eventually, City Council.

• If you notice errors in our analysis or know of compelling reasons to reduce speeds on your street—perhaps near schools, parks, senior housing, or areas with high foot traffic—please email us.

• 🚨 ACTION ALERT: Support Pasadena's All Ages & Abilities Greenways

• August 25th, 6pm -- Support Greenways at Pasadena City Council. The Pasadena City Council is considering the creation of All Ages & Abilities Greenways on four strategically important streets: El Molino, Wilson, Sierra Bonita, and Craig. These are the four lowest-volume streets that cross the 210 freeway. Unfortunately, this common-sense safety project faces opposition from those spreading misinformation about its impacts. The success of this project will benefit not just Pasadena residents but all of us who travel between South Pasadena and Pasadena.

• 🌟 Upcoming Event: Week Without Driving Challenge

• September 29 - October 5, 2025 -- Join thousands of people across the country in the Week Without Driving challenge! This annual event highlights the experiences of the 30% of Americans who live car-free by choice or necessity, including many seniors, people with disabilities, children, and those who cannot afford car ownership. Whether you participate for one day or the full week, this challenge offers valuable insights into our transportation system's strengths and gaps. Learn more and take the pledge: weekwithoutdriving.org.

    Stay Active,

    Your friends at South Pas Active