Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CV Link?The CV Link is a 50-mile alternative transportation corridor for bicycles,

pedestrians, and low-speed (up to 25 mph) electric vehicles along the Whitewater

River and Tahquitz Creek that will stretch from Palm Springs to Coachella.

Expanding on existing portions of paved trail, the CV Link will provide a continuous

transportation and recreation route connecting the Coachella Valley cities. Future

route segments include connections to Desert Hot Springs and the Salton Sea.

Will the CV Link get “washed out” when it rains?No, the path will be built on top of the levee, not in the bottom of the wash. Trails

like this have been built along many waterways, such as the Santa Ana River.

What is a LSEV or NEV?Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEVs) include golf carts and Neighborhood Electric

Vehicles (NEVs). NEVs are regulated to a maximum speed of 25 mph, are about the

size of a golf cart, and can carry 2, 4 or 6 people. NEVs are permitted to share a

general traffic lane with cars on roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph.

Like golf carts, they are lightweight and have zero emissions.

How much will the CV Link cost to build?As detailed in the CV Link Master Plan, the current estimate of construction cost for

the core 50-mile project is approximately $100 million, averaging $2 million per mile.

Most of this expense is for grade separations at roadways that keep Link users apart

from cars. As a comparison, the Jefferson Interchange Project on I-10 is estimated to

cost $70 million; a 6-lane arterial roadway costs $14 million per mile; and a freeway

costs $30 million per mile. To date, $75 million has been secured for the CV Link

construction.

What measures are planned to provide for the safety of Link users and adjacent property owners?The entire path will be accessible to emergency services. Evenly spaced distance

markers will help users advise their location. An Internet application will be

developed so people can quickly notify authorities of any problems. Path

rangers and volunteer ambassadors will “police” the trail. Creating a well-designed

and maintained facility that attracts many users is the best way to discourage

undesirable behavior. Cameras and adequate lighting will also be considered to

help address personal security concerns. Like all public spaces, law enforcement

will be the responsibility of local police departments.

Improves O

ur Air Quality • Relieves Traff c Congestion(FAQs)

Funded by: California Strategic Growth Council, Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, and Caltrans

CoachellaValleyLink

@ CV_Link

Allows for Eff cient Travel Throughout the Valley • Improves Our Air Quality • Relieves Traff c

Staying Connected with CV LinkFor more information about CV Link and ongoing public input opportunities, go to www.coachellavalleylink.com.

Who will operate and maintain the CV Link? The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) will oversee operations and maintenance. Most of the routine maintenance work is expected to be contracted out. The annual cost of operations and maintenance is estimated to be $1.6 million. A funding mechanism is still being developed.

Can the CV Link be used year round, even during the intense summer heat? The CV Link will be open for users any time of year and will feature closely spaced shade and windbreak structures as well as water fountains to best accommodate those traveling during summer months. From a transportation perspective, much of the commuting use will be in the relatively cooler morning hours and the trip home can be done either at a more leisurely pace, at later hours, or using transit. Furthermore, through public input, community members have asked for lighting to be incorporated so that the trail could be used in the evenings.

How quickly can the CV Link be built?Environmental permits are expected in late 2016, with groundbreaking expected in 2017. Three years (2020) is the likely time-frame to complete the core 50-mile project. Future extensions and spurs will be constructed to expand the CV Link.

How will the CV Link separate Low Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEVs), bicyclists and pedestrians to travel safely together? The CV Link proposes to have a separate path for pedestrians, while bikes and LSEVs would share a 14-foot wide paved path. The intent is to reduce accidents involving bikes and pedestrians on busy streets. Test runs on existing trails have demonstrated that bikes and LSEVs can safely share a single path.

The CV Link received air quality funds, but is it an emission reduction project?“Multi-modal” transportation facilities like the CV Link are an eligible project for air quality mitigation funds. Mobile sources like automobiles are the largest contributor to greenhouse gases in the Coachella Valley. The CV Link will provide non-polluting transportation options for many people, as well as reduce dust generated from the Whitewater River by paving levee tops and slope protection.

Is the CV Link meant for daily commutes? While some commutes are indeed long, research shows that the average one-way trip length for all trip purposes is about 2 miles for motorists, 2.6 miles for bicycles and up to 5 miles for NEVs. The CV Link will provide an option that encourages more people to walk, bike or use low-speed electric vehicles more often, not necessarily for every trip. Longer trips are less likely, but doable for distance bicyclists. The Link can also be used in combination with bus service.

Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQs)