Pasadena’s first Bicycle Boulevard is a ‘go’

Pasadena’s first Bicycle Boulevard was unveiled Thursday as part of the city’s plan for traffic management and safer cyclist conditions along Marengo Avenue.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural ride marked an “important event in the bicycle life of Pasadena,” said Mayor Bill Bogaard at the event. ” There’s a lot to be seen in the city of Pasadena on foot and on a bike, and as we are reminded today, there are great benefits to slowing down and enjoying the journey.”

The Bicycle Boulevard, which is the second in L.A. County, stretches about three-quarters of a mile along Marengo Avenue, and is anchored on one end at Orange Grove Boulevard and the other end at Washington Boulevard.

Marengo has very little traffic volume, so it provides “a safe and attractive place for people to ride their bikes,” said Mark Yamarone, the city’s principal transportation planner.

The project was funded through a $500,000 Bicycle Transportation Grant from the California Department of Transportation. It is one of hopefully many new bicycle-friendly additions to the community, officials said.

A draft bicycle transportation plan — which includes 3.3 miles of bike paths, 16.3 miles of bike lanes and 15.8 miles of bike routes — is expected to be presented to the Pasadena City Council within the next six months.

“The data does show that if we make it convenient for people to give up their cars for one or two or even three trips out of the week, it will make a tremendous difference, and this is a part of reaching that goal,” said Councilman Victor Gordo.

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