By City Manager Ken Striplin
With the coming of spring, we are reminded of what makes the Santa Clarita community exceptional: picturesque trails and open space, thoughtfully planned infrastructure and residents who value active, healthy lifestyles. The Bike to Work Challenge is one of the many ways we bring those elements together, encouraging residents to rethink how they move throughout our City. Santa Clarita has made a long-standing commitment to supporting alternative transportation. With an extensive network of paseos and over 100 miles of trails and bike paths, residents have safe and convenient options to incorporate cycling into their daily routines. Biking to work provides an opportunity to highlight these amenities while encouraging a wide range of participation.
This year’s Bike to Work Challenge will take place Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15. Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to bike to work as often as possible, joining a community-wide effort to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and promote healthier lifestyles. A key highlight will occur on Thursday morning, May 14, when pit stops will be available across Santa Clarita from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. These locations offer riders an opportunity to check in, refuel with snacks and connect with fellow cyclists during their commute.
At the pit stop located at Santa Clarita City Hall (23920 Valencia Boulevard), participants who arrive by bike can enjoy breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A and coffee provided by Henry’s Coffee. In addition, a sixth pit stop will be available this year, expanding access and creating more opportunities for participation throughout the City. Participants who register for the Bike to Work Challenge at GreenSantaClarita.com will also be eligible to win raffle prizes throughout the week, providing an added incentive to get involved and stay engaged. The raffle will include bike-related prizes like pumps and helmets, in addition to gift cards to local businesses to enjoy lunch or coffee.
Choosing to bike, even for a few days, supports improved health, reduces stress and enhances overall well-being. When adopted collectively, these efforts contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Santa Clarita. The Bike to Work Challenge also creates collaboration among local businesses and employees, promoting wellness, sustainability and community connection through friendly competition and team participation, because the local businesses in the small, medium and large business categories that get the most participation will be eligible for a group prize.
By prioritizing connectivity and accessibility, Santa Clarita is creating a system that accommodates cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike. These efforts not only enhance mobility, but also contribute to long-term environmental goals, reduce roadway demand and reinforce the City’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for residents. Together, we can continue building a healthier, more connected and more sustainable Santa Clarita, one ride at a time.
For more information, please visit GreenSantaClarita.com.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
