Cyclists riding the Urban Loop likely see changes every time they ride the route.
Pima County workers are out there every day adding new paths and signs and taking out others.
The progress and the recent connection has one group so excited that they are organizing a ride to highlight climate change and are using the path to demonstrate the possibilities of using bicycle to reduce carbon emissions.
Here is update on some of the new sights along the route. Check out the ride details below.
The bridge at La Cholla and the Rillito River path is also now open.
In the past, the La Cholla bridge was used for cyclists heading west to cross to the south side of the river because the path on the north side ended. Now however the path on the north side continues to Camino de la Tierra. (Check the map below to see where the new sections of path are located.)
There are also a lot of new paved paths on the south bank of the Rillito between La Cholla Boulevard and Mountain Avenue. Here is what it looks like.
Zoll said a long term goal is to continue the path through the area, but building a cantilevered bridge along the south bank the Rillito.
Once you ride through the mall, you cross Stone and ride into the bus station and get back on the path.
Zoll said the county is working on creating wayfinding signs to help path users determine which way to go.
View Additions to the Rillito Path in a larger map
I rode the south bank on Thursday night. The dirt section near Oracle has indeed been paved. The gate at Galleria Mall was still there, but it may be gone by now, I don’t know. I’m sure it will go when bollards are put in. This new path is beautiful in sections and will improve cyclists access to shopping at the malls and the stores at First Ave. I say “Thanks!” to the folks involved in this project. I look forward to the completion of the Campbell – Mountain section and the installation of the new bridge near Mountain.
One more thing. Riding the ring road at Tucson Mall wasn’t a problem for me, or crossing Stone at the light. However, since the path already goes under Stone, it would be nice if it were extended a bit to the West and come up on the Tucson Mall side of Stone. It would be cheaper to get land from the mall folks for just a “landing” than a full path across their property. This does raise the issue of how the mall was allowed by the zoning folks to run the parking lot right to the river’s edge and not reserve 10 to 20 feet for a park. That’s water under the bridge now, but I hope the lesson is well learned.
Wow! Talk about progress! I rode through here at the beginning of August and it sure didn’t look like this. Woohoo!
Thanks, Tucsonvelo, for all the fantastic photos!!
Ride for Moving Planer- Sept 24th to show our enduring desire for more clean green energy and more sustainable transportation including wonderful bike paths.
They were repaving the Rillito path under the I-10 this morning and had it closed. Should be nice when they’re done.