COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The CV Link underwent its first major trial since its official opening last year.
Thousands of cyclists rode along its paved surface as the Tour de Palm Springs invited them to the valley. Many of them took to our local roadways and streets. New this year, though, was the addition of the CV Link to the route cyclists used.
Portions of the Link was closed for the event on Saturday. Riders cycling the long-distance routes (88- and 102-mile courses) used the artery on their return journey to Palm Springs from Coachella in the second half of their ride.
Many of those riders took to social media to express their satisfaction with the addition of the Link to the course, and local nonprofits dedicated to promoting the Link said it was a successful first use for an event that drew thousands.
One local cyclist, Terry Arnold, lives in Palm Springs, but was originally from Portland. She said the Link is on the same level, if not better, than bike trails found in Portland, known for its avid cycling community.
Arnold, riding the Link with five others on Monday, said bringing the Tour de Palm Springs route to the Link was a major safety bump.
“The last time I did that ride, there were too many cars around me,” she recounted. Motioning to the Link, she continued, “But this would be fabulous.”
Another cyclist from her group added, “I think the more they can get [the Tour cyclists] off the road and on the Link would be better.”
While some issues remain, like signage issues that News Channel 3’s Karen Devine reported in her I-Team investigation, many said this is a positive outcome and a step in the right direction for taking advantage of one of the valley’s long-term projects.
James Rothblatt and Joel Craig, two board members of “Friends of CV Link,” a nonprofit that advocates for the Link and shares feedback with CVAG, said it was a successful trial for the pathway.
Rothblatt hoped future events utilize the Link’s main advantage: safety.
“I’d really like to see is events that recognize the people with disabilities,” he wished. “Hand cyclists, trikes, people that might not be safe at all in traffic because they ride so low down on recumbents. But on CV Link, they’re free to to fly and not be worried about being run over.”
Craig also recalled a pair riding on a tandem bicycle during the Tour de Palm Springs. He said the person riding on the front wore a jersey emblazoned with the word “GUIDE,” while the person riding on the rear seat wore one that said “BLIND.”
“I’m pretty sure that it was a way for a blind person to actually ride in the event. And that, just like Jim said, that’s what the CV Link is perfect for,” he said.
“The more people that use this, the better.”