Paseos, trails highlighted

With over 32 miles of off-street trails, over 15 miles of on-street bike lanes and 30 miles of paseos located throughout the community, it’s no surprise that Santa Clarita was awarded the prestigious bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation by the League of American Bicyclists.

“To receive the esteemed Bicycle Friendly Community award is a tribute to the City’s dedication to building, maintaining, and improving bicycle trails throughout the community as well as providing safer accommodations and facilities for bicyclists to use and enjoy,” commented Mayor Marsha McLean.

The national Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award recognized the City of Santa Clarita for its commitment to improving conditions for bicycling and its practice of making focused investment in bicycling programs and facilities.

The League awards the four-year designation to communities that have made impressive, measurable efforts to integrate bicyclists into the community. There are four levels—platinum, gold, silver and bronze—awarded twice each year.

The award judges were particularly impressed with the City’s intersection improvements across the City with the installation of extremely sensitive bicycle-detection technology to ensure cyclists are properly accommodated on City streets. 

This year, the City of Santa Clarita was one of seven communities honored.  Others honored include: Santa Cruz, Steamboat Springs, Colo, Lexington-Fayette County, Ky, Liberty Lake, Wash, New York City, and Spartanburg, S.C.

Since the program’s inception in 2003, a total of 174 communities have applied for this prestigious designation, and 70 have earned it. The Bicycle Friendly Community program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate their quality of life and transportation network.

“The League is delighted to recognize the City of Santa Clarita for its efforts to welcome bicyclists and make bicycling safer and more enjoyable. We applaud your community for its willingness to invest over the long-term in creating a better, more livable environment for their citizens,” commented Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclist.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates.

When the City of Santa Clarita incorporated 20 years ago, there were no off-street bicycle/pedestrian trails.  Today, residents enjoy more than 30 miles of these safe and convenient trails which span the City, from Canyon Country to Valencia.

For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org and www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org.