Imagine a cycling route so transformative that it rivals the best trails in Portland, a city renowned for its biking culture. That’s exactly what cyclists are saying about the CV Link after its debut in the Tour de Palm Springs. This newly opened pathway in Coachella Valley, California, just passed its first major test, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive—but not without a few surprises.
Since its official opening last year, the CV Link has been a topic of interest, but it wasn’t until this year’s Tour de Palm Springs that it truly shone. Thousands of cyclists, drawn to the valley for the event, experienced the Link firsthand. For the first time, portions of the CV Link were incorporated into the route, specifically for riders tackling the longer distances—88 and 102 miles. These cyclists used the Link as their return artery to Palm Springs from Coachella, and many took to social media to share their enthusiasm.
Local nonprofits dedicated to promoting the CV Link celebrated the success, calling it a promising start for this long-term valley project. One standout voice was Terry Arnold, a Palm Springs resident originally from Portland. Arnold, who cycled the Link with a group of five others, praised it as being on par with—if not better than—Portland’s celebrated bike trails. She highlighted a critical benefit: safety. “The last time I did this ride, there were too many cars around me,” Arnold recalled. “But this [the CV Link] would be fabulous.” Her sentiment was echoed by another cyclist in her group, who added, “The more they can get [Tour cyclists] off the road and onto the Link, the better.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the CV Link has been hailed as a game-changer, it’s not without its challenges. Signage issues, as reported by News Channel 3’s Karen Devine in her I-Team investigation, remain a concern. Yet, many argue that these are minor hurdles compared to the Link’s potential. James Rothblatt and Joel Craig, board members of ‘Friends of CV Link,’ a nonprofit advocating for the pathway, emphasized its success as a trial run. Rothblatt hopes future events will leverage the Link’s greatest advantage: safety, especially for vulnerable riders. “I’d love to see events that include people with disabilities,” he said. “Hand cyclists, trike riders, and those on recumbent bikes—they’re often at risk in traffic, but on the CV Link, they can ride freely without fear of accidents.”
Craig shared a poignant moment from the Tour: a tandem bicycle with one rider wearing a jersey labeled ‘GUIDE’ and the other ‘BLIND.’ “It was likely a blind person participating in the event,” Craig noted. “And that’s exactly what the CV Link is perfect for.”
And this is the part most people miss: The CV Link isn’t just about cycling—it’s about inclusivity and accessibility. As Rothblatt put it, “The more people that use this, the better.” But what do you think? Is the CV Link a step in the right direction, or are its challenges too significant to overlook? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
