| What: CicLAvia – Explore LA without cars When: Some Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Imagine LA without Cars | Linear Park Spaces | Wacky Riders
| Colombian Origins | Plan Your Visit
Imagine LA without Cars
CicLAvia opens LA’s streets to cyclists and closes them to car traffic. Angelenos gather along the route to bike, walk, run, skate, and roll in a public space. Each event spotlights iconic streets from a different corner of the city. This is a great way to visit neighborhoods across LA’s sprawl. When you don’t have to look over your shoulder for zooming vehicles, urban cycling can be really safe and enjoyable.
Streets as Linear Park Spaces
The organizers have arranged a handful of hubs throughout CicLAvia’s open streets. These hubs are located at key landmarks and various vendors have set up stands with activities and giveaways. There are hydration stations, portable toilets, and even bike repair and medical tents. As you explore the open park space, DJs, bands, and other entertainment compete for your attention. You can always stop at a restaurant for food and snacks.
Wacky Riders
There is a festival atmosphere – like a giant block party on wheels. You usually see a unicycle, bicycles built for two, and maybe a penny farthing. I always wonder how someone gets a bike on stilts to move. There are lowriders with lots of chrome and sick paint jobs. And there are those who wear costumes or carry giant speakers. There’s something for everyone.
Colombian Origins
In 1974, residents of Bogotá, Colombia invented the open streets concept of Ciclovía. Back then, they closed a major road to cars for a few hours. Now, Bogotá opens over 60 miles of streets every Sunday. This movement for improving the lives of city dwellers has spread to over 400 cities. The world needs more creative ways (like Ciclovía) for sharing urban space and building cohesive communities.
Plan Your Visit
To find out when and where the next CicLAvia is taking place, check out the CicLAvia event website.
