City of Cathedral City’s Public Works Department & Engineering Team Launch Major Bike Lane Construction Projects

The City of Cathedral City's Public Works Department and Engineering team have begun construction on two significant bike lane projects, marking a major milestone in the city's Active Transportation Plan. These projects represent the first initiatives from the ATP to move into the construction phase, demonstrating the city's commitment to expanding safe, sustainable transportation options for residents.

Both projects were identified as priorities in the City's Active Transportation Plan and are funded through the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program, ensuring zero cost to local taxpayers.

Whispering Palms Class III Bike Route Breaks Ground

Construction officially began on September 24, 2025, along Whispering Palms Trail between Vega Road and Baristo Road. This marks the start of a new Class III Bike Route that will extend from 30th Avenue to Dinah Shore Drive, creating a continuous cycling corridor through this section of the city.

Project Features:

• Shared lane ("sharrow") markings for enhanced cyclist visibility
• New bike route signage throughout the corridor
• Speed feedback radar signs to improve safety
• Updated striping and pavement markings
• Comprehensive pavement rehabilitation ranging from surface treatments to full reconstruction in deteriorated areas

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2025, providing residents with improved cycling infrastructure just in time for the new year.

Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway Awarded

On September 10, 2025, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Union Pavement Services, Inc. for an innovative Class IV Separated Bike Lane on Perez Road. This 0.6-mile route will stretch from Cathedral Canyon Drive to Date Palm Drive, providing one of the safest forms of bicycle infrastructure available.

Project Specifications:

• 7-foot dedicated bike lane positioned next to the curb
• 4-foot protective buffer zone separating cyclists from vehicle traffic
• Flexible post bollards providing physical separation
• Complete pavement resurfacing throughout the project area

Class IV separated bikeways represent the gold standard in bicycle infrastructure, offering cyclists protection from vehicle traffic while maintaining convenient access to their destinations.

Building on the Active Transportation Plan

These projects are part of a comprehensive vision outlined in Cathedral City's Active Transportation Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in February 2023 with support from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The ATP identifies priority routes and infrastructure improvements designed to support healthier, more sustainable transportation choices throughout the city.

The plan creates a roadmap for developing a connected network of facilities for walking, biking, and transit that serves residents of all ages and abilities. By systematically implementing these improvements, Cathedral City is building infrastructure that promotes public health, reduces environmental impact, and enhances quality of life.

Future Projects on the Horizon

The momentum continues beyond these two initial projects. A Class III Bike Route on Avenida Maravilla was awarded SB 821 funding in June 2025 and is currently under development. Additional ATP projects are in various stages of planning and design, ensuring a steady pipeline of active transportation improvements for years to come.

The successful implementation of the Whispering Palms and Perez Road projects demonstrates Cathedral City's ability to secure grant funding and deliver complex infrastructure improvements efficiently and effectively.

Grant Funding Maximizes Value

Both the Whispering Palms and Perez Road projects received SB 821 grant funding for the FY 2023-24 cycle. This state funding program supports bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout California, allowing cities like Cathedral City to build critical infrastructure without impacting local budgets.

By successfully competing for these competitive grants, the city's Public Works Department and Engineering team are bringing significant state resources to Cathedral City while advancing the community's transportation goals.

What This Means for Residents

These bike lane projects offer tangible benefits to the Cathedral City community, including safer routes for cyclists of all ages and skill levels, improved connectivity to key destinations throughout the city, healthier transportation alternatives that promote physical activity, reduced vehicle emissions and environmental impact, and enhanced property values along improved corridors.

As construction progresses, residents can expect to see visible improvements that make cycling a more viable and attractive option for everyday transportation and recreation.

For more information about Cathedral City's Active Transportation Plan and ongoing bike lane projects, visit cathedralcity.gov or contact the Public Works Department at 760.770.0350.