Cycling Claremont: Infrastructure...

In 2008 Claremont became one of only 27 cities in California to earn a bronze or better rating for bicycle friendly communities by the League of American Bicyclists. So what bike infrastructure exists that makes Claremont an attractive place:

1. The city's compact size where necessities like groceries and bike stores, and luxuries such as theatres and restaurants are all within easy biking distance from any point in the city.

2. Most major, and key secondary streets, contain bike lanes.

3. Narrow streets within the core "Village" area contribute to lower vehicle speeds.

4. An active student population (the Claremont Colleges) for whom bikes are a quick, efficient and inexpensive transportation option for local errands.

5. The new bikestation at the Claremont Depot with access to Metrolink service.

6. The Thompson Creek Trail, a paved multi-use trail along the base of the foothills.

7. The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park with its miles of dirt roads and trails set aside for the exclusive use of mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians.

8. Bikes are highly prominent; especially in the Village area, and on weekends it is rare that a minute passes without a bike gliding by.

9. Access to the Pacific Electric Trail, a multi-use trail running through the cities of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Rialto. The trail ends at Claremont's eastern border.

Yes, there are some infrastructure omissions as well, and I will look at those in the future. For the most part though, Claremont has been able to work around these to create an attractive experience for its large group of resident and visitor cyclists.