CV link celebrates grand opening in Coachella
Daniella Lake
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – CV Link has officially opened to the public with its first grand opening ceremony in Coachella today.
The CV Link runs 40 miles across the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Coachella. There’ll be other grand opening ceremonies in La Quinta, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Palm Springs. You can learn more here.
The 40 mile path has been 14 years in the making, and it’s had a few bumps along the way. KESQ has reported on homeless encampments, limited guardrails, and confusing signage on the path.
Although it’s meant to connect all the cities in the valley, the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells opted out of the project.
The Coachella Valley Association of Governments says they hope the 40 mile path will transform recreation for residents.
“The link provides an option for folks. There are some people that are willing to get on their bike and take a chance with traffic. It’s not for me and certainly not for my kids…and not for a lot of adults,” says Tom Kirk, CVAG’s executive director.
Nearly 1,000 bicyclists are hit and killed by a motor vechile every year, according to the Center for Disease Control.
“I’ve been run over twice. One in an intersection with lights and one at a stop intersection. Some of the people in my crew have been personally run over and hit,” says Wenceslao Rodriguez, a Coachella local.
He’s been biking in the area since he was a kid. Now, he says he’s grateful to have an option that feels safer.
“We don’t have to worry about somebody just coming over here and trying to deal with getting run over,” Rodriguez says.