Mobility & Clean Transportation

Whether you walk, bike, bus, or drive, transportation is an integral part of everyone’s day. La Mesa is committed to creating safer streets for bikers and pedestrians, and working with agencies across the region to reduce emissions.

• Bike – With an average temperature of 71 degrees, the San Diego region is one of the best places in the country to travel on two wheels. Plan your bike route, find places to park your bike, and learn more about regional biking infrastructure improvements coming to La Mesa. Be sure to check out San Diego Bike Coalition for classes, tips, and other great resources to make you a biking professional. Finally, check out La Mesa’s Bike Guide for tips on safe biking practices.
• Walk – La Mesa strives to make streets safe and friendly for pedestrians, no matter your route. Check out La Mesa’s Walkability Guide before your next urban walking adventure. You can also explore the City’s Urban Trails or join the City for an urban walking adventure – guided La Mesa Walks! tours are offered every Wednesday.
• Trolley – La Mesa has five trolley stations that connect the city to key destinations like Petco Park, Mission Valley, and San Ysidro. Leave your car at home and plan your route today. You can also download the Pronto app to pay trolley and bus fares as well as plan out trips with accurate and live schedules to get to destinations on time.
• Bus – Seven bus routes connect La Mesa to key areas across San Diego County. Plan your route and check current bus fare prices. 
• Carpool – iCommute is a great resource for your carpool and alternative transportation needs. Are you interested in starting a Vanpool in your neighborhood? iCommute staff can help!

Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program (CORE) for Small Landscaping Businesses

Get 70% off the cost of zero-emission landscaping with this new state program! $27 million is now available to help professional landscape services operated by small businesses or sole proprietors.  Starting on November 7th, 2022, point of sale vouchers are available through the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) CORE program. Types of eligible zero-emission professional landscaping equipment include:

CORE's website features both a list of approved zero-emission landscape service equipment manufacturers and a list of approved dealers throughout California and other states. This program does not require you to turn in or destroy your old equipment. For more information, please visit CORE's website here.

CORE supports AB 1346 which requires the CARB to adopt regulations to prohibit the engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from the sale of new small off-road engines on or after January 1, 2024.  

Community Bicycle Repair Station

The City of La Mesa has installed a new bicycle repair station to provide basic bicycle repair and maintenance tools to community bicyclists.  The bicycle repair area is located on Allison Ave in between City Hall and Fire Station 11, just outside of the La Mesa Branch Library at 8074 Allison Ave.  This self-serve station contains tools needed to perform do-it yourself bicycle repairs and maintenance such as changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes, and includes screwdrivers, wrenches, and hex tools.  The repair station also features a heavy duty bicycle tire air pump.  Users can scan a QR code to access detailed instructions for various repairs.  This supports the City’s Climate Action Plan transportation measures to expand bicycle infrastructure and was funded through the 2022 SANDAG GO by BIKE grant.

Electric Vehicles

Not only are electric vehicles cheaper to run and maintain, they are better for the environment. Electric vehicles have zero exhaust emissions, renewable energy charging options to completely eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, and many newer models are beginning to be manufactured with recycled material.

Businesses: For more information about electric vehicles for fleet, funding opportunities, charging infrastructure, and to request technical assistance visit the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition, Plug-In San Diego,  or CalEVIP to learn more about the San Diego County Incentive Project.

Residents: Learn about the benefits of driving an electric car.  Administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy for the California Air Resources Board, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) offers up to $7,000 in electric vehicle rebates for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emissions and plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicles.  

There are currently 18 public EV charging stations in La Mesa, with more on the way!  To view available charging stations open to the public, check out the map, provided by plugshare.com.