May 2025

Hello South Pas Active friends,

  Thanks for your interest and support of South Pas Active in its mission to build healthy, safe, and human-centered streets. May is Bike Month, so this newsletter includes several opportunities to hop on a bike, learn how to ride, or advocate (Special thanks to our friends in Pasadena). See the descriptions below or check our event calendar.

Walk and Bike to School Day Success!

Last week, South Pas Active joined forces with Arroyo Vista and Marengo Elementary School PTAs to celebrate National Walk and Bike to School Day and Earth Day. The events were a tremendous success, with families throughout South Pasadena taking to the sidewalks and streets on two beautiful spring days. We were especially happy to be joined by Mayor Janet Braun, Mayor Pro Tem Sheila Rossi, and Councilmember Michael Cacciotti!

Our organized "walk bus" and "bike bus" groups brought neighbors together as they escorted children safely to school. Some of the older students enjoyed the independence of walking with friends. The smiles on everyone's faces as they arrived at school energized and ready to learn said it all!

Along the routes, we organized fun activities to make the journey even more enjoyable. From a sidewalk chalk art station to bubble blowers to goody bag hand outs, the morning commute became an adventure rather than a chore.

Events like this remind us why we advocate for complete streets—streets designed to enable safe access for all users. When our streets are safe for our children to walk and bike, they're better for everyone.

Reaping the Benefits of Stopping the I-710 Freeway

The Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition recently published an insightful article titled "Canceling Freeways is Awesome", highlighting how our communities' decades-long fight to stop the I-710 freeway extension is now paying dividends.

The article celebrates how South Pasadena and Pasadena residents' persistent activism has led to a remarkable outcome: a portion of the funds originally earmarked for freeway construction is being reinvested in our communities instead.

In Pasadena, these funds are being used to build "Greenways," including one along El Molino Avenue that will connect to South Pasadena. These projects demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of people-centered infrastructure—a high-quality bikeway costs approximately $12 million, just 1% of a typical freeway expansion's price tag.

Here in South Pasadena, we're in the midst of important discussions about how to utilize our I-710 funds to create safer, healthier, and more economically productive streets. The Toole Consulting Group recently shared results from a community-led visioning process, and city leadership will be making critical decisions about implementing this plan in the coming year.

If you are excited by the possibility of transforming our streets into spaces that prioritize people over cars , you have two opportunities to act. First, you can sign up to give a public comment (see below). Second, you can join a a community ride along some of the areas to be served by the greenways. Join Pasadena, decision-makers and let them know that you value infrastructure that makes walking and biking viable transportation options for everyday trips. 

Your Voice Matters: Speak Up for Complete Streets

Our campaign to increase the number of public comments ("A Voice in the Room") continues. In the last two months, we had three SPA members make public comments in person to the city council. The topics range from the bike bus to climate change to school safety. City leaders are listening and these personal stories can make a real impact.

We need your help to continue to have a voice in the room as decisions are made. Please take a moment to sign up to give a public comment at an upcoming City Council meeting.

Upcoming Events 

Pasadena Greenways Ride

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Reserve your spot for the Greenways Ride here

E-bike Expo

Sunday May 18, 2025

Curious to try an e-bike? Visit the E-bike expo at the Rose Bowl and take one for a spin. RSVP to participate.

Ride of Silence

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Join cyclists worldwide in this silent, slow-paced ride to honor those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

Kids Bike Skills Clinic

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Did you miss out on the the Bike Skills Clinic we organized at Marengo Elementary last year? Pasadena is organizing a clinic for Bike Month. Kids can learn basic bike handling skills guided by certified instructors. RSVP to participate.

Pie and Ice Cream are Friends Ride

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:30pm
A delicious community ride combining two of life's greatest pleasures! South Pas Active will organize a feeder ride that takes the Metro to the ride start point. Email us at info@southpasactive.org to let us know you're joining and RSVP with the ride hosts.

South Pas Pub Crawl

Coming in June 2025
Stay tuned for details on our upcoming Pub Crawl—a fun evening exploring South Pasadena's local establishments on foot.

South Pas Active Streets is a community organization working to strengthen our city by improving walkability and bikeability. Active transportation improves quality of life, contributes to our small town appeal, and is a core pillar of our city’s climate action plan. However, not all areas of South Pasadena are accessible by walking or riding a bike, as city design too often prioritizes driving speed over safety. We believe that every part of the city should be safe and accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and we aim to achieve that goal through community programs and advocacy. 

Get involved! Contact us at info@southpasactive.orgl; visit us at southpasactive.org; follow us at instagram.com/southpasactive.