A gap closure project is proposed to connect to an existing bike route on arroyo blvd with the South Pasadena bikeway (Photo – cityofpasadena.net).
As the future races forward, the past is a resource that continues to guide and to inspire.
By Garrett Rowlan
Such was the general impression after reviewing the “Arroyo Link” presentation to the City of Pasadena’s Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). The committee passed a motion in support of the project that connects the Union Street Protected Bicycle Lanes to the Arroyo.
The presentation considered how best to apply for a portion of Metro’s Measure “M” money, 780 million dollars in all, one part of which could be used to develop a bike lane around Defenders Parkway, the area roughly located on the Southwest corner of Orange Grove and Colorado. In short, the proposal seeks a simple way for cyclists to connect to the existing bike route on Arroyo Blvd with the South Pasadena bikeway* leading into Los Angeles.
(Hover your cursor over image below) ↓[image-comparator title=”The “Arroyo Link” draft work-in-progress Jan. 18, 2018 (Photo – cityofpasadena.net).” left=”https://coloradoboulevard.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Arroyo-Link-before-draft.jpg” right=”https://coloradoboulevard.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Arroyo-Link-after-draft.jpg” width=”100%” left_alt=””Arroyo Link before” draft” right_alt=””Arroyo Link after” draft” classes=”hover”][/image-comparator]
The project is a way to continue a conversation began one century ago, when arterial paths connected Pasadena with Los Angeles. Since that time, many byways around the upper Arroyo Seco have fallen by the wayside, treasures of a sort obscured by the traffic passing on the Colorado Street Bridge and the 134 freeway.
The core part of the “Gap Closure Project” is the proposal of an existing but forgotten and unused zigzag path that would join Holly and Arroyo Boulevard. The construction of a serpentine, graded road, is proposed to facilitate transition from Holly to the Arroyo while not forcing the bike riders to brake constantly or to move at a suicidal speed. Farther on, the disused Parker-Maybury bridge is seen as a possible conduit to the Arroyo link.
TAC’s endorsement of the project will be relayed to City Council on Monday night as Council reviews a list of potential projects that will be submitted to Metro for funding as part of the redirection of funds away from the 710 Tunnel and into local transportation improvements.
> Support Safer, More Sustainable Mobility in Pasadena Mon., Jan. 29, 2018 @7:00 pm - City Hall
*Click on the photo below to watch a ride through “South Pasadena’s Bicycle Path” slated to be opened on Feb. 24, 2018. The video is running at 10x speed. The original ride takes close to 12 minutes.
South Pasadena Arroyo Bike Path prior to opening day (Photo – David Wolf).
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