Since its inception in 2006, the Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocacy Committee has set out to give area cyclists the safest, most enjoyable experience possible. So far, so good. To date, the number of bike lanes has tripled since 2005 and most of the gaps that existed in the lane network are now closed. In 2011, bike lanes are set to be completed along the East Frontage Road, the I-19/Continental intersection, the road leading to Continential School, and on Sahuarita Road from La Cañada to La Villita. The bike lane on Sahuarita Road from La Villita to Country Club is underway, as are the lanes set to go on I-19/Esperanza, North Abrego, Hughes Access Road and Alvernon, and Pima Mine Road.
By 2014, the SCVBAC hopes to have a bike lane for every road in Southern Arizona, so cyclists can ride from Tucson to Nogales, if they wish. "We're still working on getting more bike lanes where needed, but we are over the hump for catching up with Tucson," said committee co-chair Bill Adamson. "Some of us think we are even better."
Southern Arizona, which has received a gold rating for bicycle safety from the League of American Bicyclists, has developed a reputation as one of America's best-kept secrets in the cycling community. Cyclists - from road riders and mountain bikers - from all over the nation travel to the Santa Cruz Valley to take in this area's scenic (and, above all, safe) cycling opportunities.
