In 2004, workers in Fontana completed the first segment of the much anticipated
recreational trail that will one day replace the old Pacific Electric Interurban Railway
line originally built in 1915. The ¾ mile path through the Civic Center and Downtown, beginning
at Palmetto Avenue and ending at Juniper Avenue was the first section completed in a multi-city
21-mile project called the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Bike Trail.
Today, walkers and bicyclists of all ages are often seen trekking along
that section in front of the Art Depot on Spring Street and on to the playfields at Fontana
Middle School. The Trail has been divided into seven segments as it cuts an east-west pathway
through the central portion of the City. To date, two segments have been built; five remain
to be constructed.
When completed they will join with similar ongoing Pacific Electric Trail
projects in the communities of Montclair, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, and Rialto.
Work on the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Bike Trail in these cities has also begun. The
ultimate goal will be the creation of an inviting healthy alternative for pedestrians and
bike lovers to travel both within their own communities and from one city to the next.
Interurban Transportation
Takes on a Whole New Meaning
The Pacific Electric Inland Empire Bike Trail has
been constructed as a part of an ongoing campaign to promote active and healthy lifestyles.
As early as 2001, San Bernardino County produced the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan which
detailed the reasons why bike and pedestrian paths are necessary in this region.
The County came up with a list of trails that could become more pedestrian
and bicycle friendly. The first on the list was the Santa Ana River. The second was the Pacific
Electric Trail.
As a result, San Bernardino Association Governments (SANBAG), San Bernardino
County, and the six cities along the Pacific Electric Trail then produced the Master Plan
for the 21-mile Trail which would then be built by the individual cities.
Number Crunching
Fontana residents are great walkers. Call Healthy Fontana to join a walking club.
The next segment, now under construction, will extend
from Juniper Avenue west to Tokay Avenue. Funding for this segment is coming directly from
the City of Fontana and SANBAG.
A portion of the funding for the future Segment from Tokay Avenue west to
Beech Avenue was secured through the dedicated efforts of San Bernardino County Supervisor
Paul Biane, who in 2004 helped the City of Fontana to obtain $300,000 for the trail. The
City intends to aggressively pursue SANBAG and State grants to build the remaining segments.
The Trail Tomorrow and
Beyond
Bicyclists will travel in and through Fontana as a great network of trails comes together.
The 21-mile hike and bike trail will eventually connect
six cities: Montclair, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Rialto. Fontana
will cover one of the largest portions of the inter-city trail.
This month, construction will begin on Segment II in Fontana. The work is
scheduled for the area between Juniper and Tokay Avenues. The estimated completion is in
summer 2008.
Due to the ongoing commitment to the citizens of Fontana and the enthusiasm
for a healthier community, the city has declared that its goal is to continue to build at
least one mile of the trail per year as long as the financial resources are available.
