Pasadena and South Pasadena residents are gearing up for a nighttime bicycle ride that will showcase local eateries and explore undiscovered neighborhoods while promoting street safety. The event, “Night Ride: The Grand Tour,” takes place on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Organized jointly by the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition and South Pas Active Streets, the ride aims to highlight connections between the two cities. Participants will cover 11 miles, including a full two-mile stretch along Grand Avenue.
“The most fun way to beat the heat is a night ride,” said the organizers in their official announcement. The event will be largely social in nature, promising a pace that is “comfortable for most adults with plenty of lights and music.”
The tour will begin at 7 p.m. at the north end of Central Park in Pasadena, at 275 S. Raymond Ave., with cyclists departing at 7:30 p.m. Riders are expected to reach their final destination, Dog Haus restaurant near Central Park in Old Pasadena, by 10 p.m., where they are welcome to stay for a post-ride snack.
Safety remains a primary concern for the organizers. Both front and rear bike lights are mandatory for all participants, given the nighttime conditions. The route includes 480 feet of elevation gain, the organizers said, offering a moderate challenge for riders.
The Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition is a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting Complete Streets projects and policies in Pasadena.
“Our belief that everyone should be able to live and move safely in our city inspires us to work for cleaner, healthier, sustainable, and more inclusive transportation and planning solutions,” the coalition says on its website, https://www.pasadenacsc.org/.
Since its inception, the coalition has advocated for comprehensive bicycle infrastructure improvements. Their efforts contributed to the passage of a new Bicycle Plan for the City of Pasadena in 2015, which they continue to monitor for implementation.
South Pas Active Streets focuses on enhancing walkability and bikeability in South Pasadena. Their mission aligns with the city’s climate action plan, emphasizing the importance of active transportation in improving quality of life.
To register for “Night Ride: The Grand Tour,” visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-ride-the-grand-tour-tickets-951720239857.
