Everything You Need To Know About 626 Golden Streets on May 1

Cruising Main Street, Alhambra – Mission-to-Mission, 2019 (Photo – Eric Jung)

Mission to Mission:  San Gabriel – South Pasadena – Alhambra.

By Wesley Reutimann

On Sunday May 1, 2022 626 Golden Streets | Mission-to-Mission presented by Metro Los Angeles will create 5 miles of car-free streets for the public to walk, bike, run, skate, scoot, dance, explore, and play.

The free, family-friendly event will connect the historic San Gabriel and South Pasadena Mission Districts with downtown Alhambra. Participants can attend the event via the Metro Rail (L Line, Mission Station), which connects directly to the event route and South Pasadena Activity Hub. Children four or under ride free on Metro buses and trains, and bikes and scooters may be brought on board at no extra cost.

San Gabriel HS Marching Band – Mission-to-Mission, 2019 (Photo – Tim Hans Jung)

This is the second time the Mission-to-Mission route has been organized by the 626 Golden Streets planning team. The May 2019 edition was one of the most popular ciclovias in the region to date, attracting over 40,000 attendees over the course of the day. The 2022 edition will once again feature three activity hubs where attendees will be able to enjoy live music and performances, play giant versions of classic games, try an inflatable obstacle course, view professional chalk artists at work, collect limited edition stickers at the info booth in each hub, and learn from dozens of local community vendors.

Chalk artist at work – Mission-to-Mission, 2019 (Photo – ActiveSGV)

New for 2022 will be the display of a wide variety of “zero emission” technology. Electric-assist commuter and cargo bikes will be available to view and test ride in South Pasadena and San Gabriel. Foothill Transit’s first-in-the-US, doubledecker, electric bus will be on Main Street in downtown Alhambra to step aboard. The latest and greatest gas-free yard equipment will be displayed along the event route in Alhambra Park. Other new elements will include a mobile cumbia band and a 5k fun run starting from San Gabriel Mission Playhouse at 9am. A full list of event activities can be found here.

Free climbing activity in the Alhambra Hub – Mission-to-Mission, 2019 (Photo – Serena Liu)

As with any ciclovia or “open streets” event, participants can decide where to start and finish. All forms of active transportation are permitted, including walking, biking, skating, jogging, ambling, and strolling. E-assist wheelchairs, bicycles, and skateboards are also kosher, however everyone is asked to share the open road in a safe and courteous manner, yielding to slower moving persons. Event organizers are also encouraging attendees to bring a reusable bottle, cup, or mug in an effort to reduce single-use waste. There will be free water refill stations in each activity hub and lots of local businesses along the route to top off at.

The day will kick-off at 8:30am with special Opening Ceremony at the corner of Main and 2nd Street in downtown Alhambra featuring local dignitaries, including the Mayors of South Pasadena, Alhambra, and South Pasadena, Congress Member Judy Chu, Assembly Member Mike Fong, Metro Board Member Tim Sandoval, Senator Anthony Portantino, and the honorable Mayor Gabe the Sasquatch. More event info can be found at 626goldenstreets.com.