August 2026

August 2026

A new city-wide mobility plan, upgrades to school safety, and a rumble of discontent with planned bike lanes. It’s all ahead in our August newsletter.

The Mobility Plan Moves Forward

South Pasadena is preparing to update its long-outdated 2011 Bicycle Master Plan with a new Mobility Plan focused on what our streets need today, and how to actually get improvements built.

The City currently plans to bring the Mobility Plan Request for Proposals (RFP) to the Public Works Infrastructure Commission on August 12 for review and feedback, followed by City Council consideration on August 19. The consultant selected through this process will shape how South Pasadena plans its active transportation network for years to come.

South Pas Active submitted recommendations for the RFP, including prioritizing the people most vulnerable on our streets, especially around schools, senior facilities and denser housing; building a truly connected walking and biking network rather than isolated projects; including quick-build improvements alongside major capital projects; and making sure the final plan is specific and ready to implement.

We also asked the City to prioritize firms with a demonstrated record of actually getting mobility projects built, not simply producing plans.

We’ll keep you posted as the RFP moves forward.

New Curb Extensions Near Arroyo Vista​​

You may have noticed new curb extensions at El Centro & Pasadena Avenue and El Centro & Orange Grove Avenue, near Arroyo Vista Elementary.

Curb extensions, sometimes called bulb-outs, extend the sidewalk into the parking lane (in this case, they're not removing any parking, as they also serve to enforce the required 20' of daylight). They shorten crossing distances, make pedestrians easier for drivers to see, and help slow turning vehicles.

These improvements are especially important around our schools, and the need is real. In the past year, our community has seen multiple people struck by drivers near Arroyo Vista, including a child involved in a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision this March.

We’re happy to see the City continuing to invest in physical street design that makes walking safer. When the AV Bike Bus begins riding along El Centro next week, it will be a bit safer thanks to this change.

Please Keep Supporting Safer Streets

We have pushed hard for the Fremont and Huntington Corridor Improvement project to support safety and access for all. Thanks to your help, the initial designs include many great features that other cities have used to improve their streets. 

However, we can’t assume those design decisions are final, as we’ve seen a concerning amount of pushback in recent weeks, including a recent opinion piece from a former councilmember. 

There was also opposition to retaining painted bike lanes after the repaving of Grand Ave during the July 20 Public Works and Infrastructure Commission meeting. Thankfully, the commission voted to repaint them and preserve safe access for one of the Arroyo Vista Bike Bus routes.

If you support safer walking and biking infrastructure in South Pasadena, please make your voice heard. Talk to your neighbors. Write to your councilmember. Send a letter to the editor. Support the forthcoming Mobility Plan!

We cannot take for granted that these improvements will move forward or remain in place. As we saw with Grand in 2024, even existing lanes can be threatened with removal.

Please continue to speak up for them.

Bike Buses Are Back!

Back-to-school also means the return of the bike bus.

What started a few years ago as a South Pas Active program has grown into a regular part of school life, with the bike bus programs now living with the PTAs at Arroyo Vista and Marengo.

Bike buses are a great way for kids to build confidence navigating our streets, while connecting with friends and neighbors along the way.

Keep an eye out for back-to-school ride dates and routes from your school’s PTA. See you on the bike bus!

Walk the South Pas Crawl

The South Pas Crawl is coming August 22-30: nine days celebrating South Pasadena’s independent restaurants, retailers, music venues, studios and classes.

It kicks off Saturday, August 22 from 3-8pm and Sunday, August 23 from 1-5pm, with artisans, special offers and activities around town, plus additional perks throughout the week for VIP wristband holders.

Our suggestion? Walk or bike there!

South Pasadena is compact, our businesses are close together, and events like this are exactly what a walkable city is made for. Leave the car at home, stroll between stops, shop local and enjoy town on foot.

Stay active,

The South Pas Active team