September 2025

September 2025

Hello South Pas Active friends,

Sometimes the most meaningful progress happens one block at a time, one crosswalk at a time, one bike bus at a time. This month brings news of victories that remind us how local advocacy can create real change in our community. Our volunteer-led bike bus programs are now being celebrated statewide, our voices were heard when the city reconsidered removing pedestrian safety features, and we're using new tools to push for safer speeds on our neighborhood streets. Together, we're moving South Pasadena toward a healthier, happier place that serves all of us.

In This Issue:

• Our Bike Bus Programs Get State Recognition - CalBike highlights Arroyo Vista and Marengo programs.

• Victory for Pedestrian Safety: Bulb-Outs Preserved - City reverses decision after advocacy.

• Take the Challenge: Week Without Driving - September 29th start, partnership with local groups to highlight car-free stories.

• Fighting for Safer Speed Limits - AB 43 analysis reveals 22 segments for potential reductions. Is your street on the list?

🚴 Bike Bus Programs Recognized!

We're thrilled to share that our Arroyo Vista and Marengo bike bus programs were highlighted by CalBike! This recognition belongs to all the amazing volunteers who make these joyous weekly rides happen. We've seen incredible growth in support from our PTAs year after year as they witness firsthand the positive impact on students' mental and physical health, while also improving safety by reducing car traffic near our schools.

• Read the full CalBike feature here

🚶 Victory for Pedestrian Safety: Bulb-Outs Preserved!

The city listened! After our advocacy efforts, the city reviewed its decision to remove curb bulb-outs along Fair Oaks. The Public Works and Infrastructure Commission has recommended that the bulb-outs be preserved. While we're monitoring the implementation closely, we're optimistic that this essential safety feature will be maintained. Special thanks to Council members Sheila Rossi and Omari Ferguson for ensuring the city takes pedestrian safety seriously.

This decision not only saves the city money and maintains pedestrian safety, but also aligns with best practices from transportation experts like the Toole Consulting Group, who recently highlighted the hazards of "right turn on red" traffic patterns.

• Learn more about right turn safety concerns

🚗 Take the Challenge: Week Without Driving

Are you ready for a meaningful challenge? The Week Without Driving starts Monday, September 29th! This initiative provides an opportunity for decision makers and community members to experience life from the perspective of approximately one-third of Americans who don't drive.

We're partnering with South Pas Progressives and the South Pasadena Tenants Union to highlight stories of South Pasadenans who live car-free. Follow our Instagram feed for inspiring stories and take the pledge to participate.

• Join the Week Without Driving

🛣️ Fighting for Safer Speed Limits

Is speeding a problem on your street? The city is conducting its once-a-decade speed limit review, and this time we have a powerful new tool: AB 43. This new law gives cities expanded authority to reduce speed limits for safety. Unfortunately, the city's proposed a plan in June that failed to use this authority. They did not recommenda any speed limit reductions in South Pasadena.

We conducted our own independent analysis and identified 22 street segments that may qualify for reductions under AB 43. Is your street on the list? Should it be?

Take Action: Review our analysis and send us comments. Then email a public comment to pwicpubliccomments@southpasadenaca.gov and tell them to use their authority to reduce speeds for improved safety, reduced noise, and more enjoyable streets for everyone. This decision is not on a meeting agenda, but every message helps make the case. Stay tuned for a specific call to action.

• View our complete speed limit analysis

• Even auto insurance industry engineers agree that current speed limits are too high for pedestrian safety. Read more about the national movement to reconsider speed limits.

📅 Upcoming Events

• October 7, Walk and Bike to School Day -- Join us for Walk and Bike to School Day! The South Pasadena Police Department will join the Marengo North and AV East bike bus groups. Rides start at 7:55am as usual. See you there!

• October 18th, Fall Arts Crawl Bike Valet -- South Pas Active will be running our popular bike valet service during the Fall Arts Crawl. This service is appreciated by visitors and the Chamber of Commerce, but we need volunteers to make it happen! Please sign up at southpasactive.org or email us with questions at info@southpasactive.org.

• October 25th, Arroyo Vista Bike Fest -- We're partnering with the Arroyo Vista PTA for another exciting "bike fest" event! Following the huge success the clinic at Marengo Elementary, we're bringing the same energy to Arroyo Vista Elementary on October 25th starting at 2pm.

    Stay Active,

    Your friends at South Pas Active