Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CV Link - Coachella Valley Alternative Transportation Route

Here are some of most frequently asked questions on the CV Link pathway. If your question is not covered, please feel free to contact us and we will have a project representative answer your question.

What is the CV Link?

CV Link is a 40-mile shared use pathway for pedestrians, bicycles, and low-speed electric vehicles such as golf carts. The link is built largely along the Whitewater River from Highway 111 and the Chino Wash in North Palm Springs to Airport Boulevard in the City of Coachella. CV Link also includes a branch in South Palm Springs largely along Tahquitz Creek as well as on-street segments in South Palm Springs and Palm Desert. CV Link was substantially completed in June of 2025 and is managed by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) in collaboration with cities and the Desert Recreation District.

Which types of vehicles are permitted on CV Link and what is the speed limit?

Bicycles, E-bikes, electric scooters, and low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) including golf carts are allowed on CV Link with a maximum speed limit of 20MPH. Fossil fuel-powered automobiles, minibikes, dirt bikes, and off-road vehicles are not permitted on CV Link . Advisory signs are posted along the CV Link route. Pets are allowed on the CV Link but are required to always be on a leash and under control at all times. Refer to your community’s regulations regarding pets.

What are the hours of operation for CV Link?

CV Link is open for use and at present, there are no posted hours of operation. There are solar powered LED lights embedded in the pathway and at access points to help guide users at night.

Are there bathrooms and water fountains along CV Link?

CV Link amenities include shade structures, water stations, benches, bike racks, wayfinding signs, and solar powered LED lights along the pathway and at access points. Restroom facilities are available at many of the parks along CV Link that include the Palm Springs Visitors Center, Esperanza Park in Cathedral City, Bump and Grind Access Point and Civic Center Park in Palm Desert, North Jackson Park in Indio, and Sierra Vista Park in Coachella.

What is the significance of CV Link’s orange and blue colors?

Color is used throughout the pathway, not only to make CV Link interesting to the eye, but as a wayfinding tool. The colors of CV Link, orange and blue, are used in a way to inform the user which direction they are travelling. They can follow orange toward the San Jacinto mountains and blue toward the Salton Sea. Colored glass is embedded in the concrete in patterns that indicate direction. There are solar powered LED lights in the path to provide that directionality at night.

Can law enforcement and emergency vehicles access CV Link?

CV Link has numerous access points strategically located along its route to allow police, fire, and emergency services to quickly reach any part of the pathway. CV Link has mile markers and corporate boundary markers on the path. CVAG encourages law enforcement and emergency vehicles to use GPS tracking and major streets to identify the location of an incident. CV Link is designed with sufficient width for emergency vehicles to pass, even if other users need to move to the side.

What are the rules for sharing the road on CV Link pathway?

CV Link is designed with sufficient width for bicycles and LSEVs to share the paved pathway. In most areas of the link, there is a separate decomposed granite pathway for pedestrians. Like roadways, CV Link users should stay to the right unless you encounter an obstacle and pass other users with care and courtesy.

Is it mandatory to wear a helmet on CV Link?

California State Law requires that a person under the age of 18 must wear an approved and properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding or being a passenger on a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, or when wearing in-line or roller skates when riding upon a street, bikeway, public bicycle path, or trail.

What are the operational rules and requirements for riding a bike on CV Link in regard to headphones, cell phones, alcohol and drugs, and lights at night?

In accordance with California State Law, cyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears while riding a bicycle. Hearing aids are allowed. Cyclists are permitted to use a handheld cell phone while riding but we urge caution and recommend against it. Cyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cyclists are required by state law to use front white lights, rear red reflectors, pedal and side reflectors at night. Additional lights—especially rear red flashers, reflectors, and light-colored clothing are recommended. No one may stop and obstruct or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.

What are the operational rules for a Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEVs) / Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), Golf Carts, Electric Scooters and Boards, and horses on CV Link?

LSEVs and NEVs, and golf carts are allowed on CV Link with a speed limit of 20 MPH and may share the pathway with cyclists. Electric scooters and boards are also allowed on CV Link with a speed limit of 15 MPH. California Vehicle Code applies to LSEVs, golf carts, electric scooters, and electric boards that includes when traveling to CV Link. For example, you need a California Driver’s License, insurance, and a license plate to operate an LSEV on public roads. In addition to the Vehicle Code, cities may have set rules for registration, parking, or use of golf carts, electric scooters and boards on sidewalks and streets to address local needs that may include as bans on sidewalks to protect pedestrians. Horses are not allowed on CV Link but may cross the pathway when riding on permitted horse trails.

How should debris and maintenance requests for the CV Link pathway be reported?

The CV Link pathway along the Whitewater River is swept and cleaned two times a month. Additional maintenance is conducted as needed. The on-street segments of CV Link and along Tahquitz Creek are maintained by each city. To report a maintenance issue, use your city app or reach out to the CV Link team by visiting our Contact Us page.

What is the protocol for handling graffiti abatement on CV Link?

Each City is responsible for removing graffiti from the CV Link. Please use your city’s app or contact the department responsible for graffiti abatement listed below and notify the CV Link team through our Contact Us page.

What is the protocol for handling homeless encampments on CV Link?

Each City’s law enforcement departments have homeless task forces that should be contacted first in the case of a homeless encampment on CV Link. Please use your city’s app or contact your city’s law enforcement or city department:

Once an encampment is abandoned, the City will remove the belongings and debris. Also notify CVAG of homeless encampments through our Contact Us page.

California law prohibits obstructing public rights-of-way, including bike paths like CV Link. This means that sitting, lying, sleeping, or placing personal property in a way that impedes passage is unlawful. Individual cities may have also adopted local ordinances providing additional local guidance regarding homeless encampments.

Who should be contacted regarding general questions?

To contact the CV Link team, call (833) 4CV-LINK (428-5465) or email info@coachellavalleylink.com. The CV Link website, www.CoachellaValleyLink.com, includes general information, route map, and frequently asked questions.