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CicLAvia Turns L.A. Streets Into A Pedestrian Paradise

Elysia Rodriguez |
October 5, 2012 | 12:30 p.m. PDT

Contributing Writer

CicLAvia Kick Off (Gary Leonard/CicLAvia)
CicLAvia Kick Off (Gary Leonard/CicLAvia)
Forget about Carmageddon, the streets of Los Angeles will be closed to cars and open for more than 100,000 bicyclists, skaters and pedestrians this Sunday as a part of “L.A’s biggest block party”, the fifth annual CicLAvia.

The free event’s route transforms “9.1 miles of normally congested streets into a car-free, linear park for strolling, biking, playing, and experiencing the city from a new perspective” from 10 a.m-3 p.m. It will run through a wide range of neighborhoods and landmarks including Exposition Park, Boyle Heights, Little Tokyo, South L.A, Chinatown, and McArthur Park. 

There will be six hubs accessible by Metro Rail so people everywhere can join in the festivities. For those who wish to drive there, some parking will be available as well. 

The route converges at downtown’s new Grand Park, where an inaugural celebration of the park’s performance lawn will take place with KCRW DJ’s and live music. 

Events will be happening all along the route for people to enjoy. Food trucks, music, performances and many more activities will surely keep those in attendance entertained. Businesses, restaurants and shops along the route are also encouraged to stay open for the pedestrian traffic.

For $5, people can support the non-profit group by purchasing a raffle ticket and entering for a chance to win great prizes including a new bicycle and a two night stay at Santa Monica's Shore Hotel.

Ninety-minute bike rentals will be made available by Bike Nation for those who do not have their own bicycle, but there are services available from DTLA Bikes or Flying Pigeon as well. Free bike repair stations will be hosted at every hub and “route angels” will ride along the streets ready to assist anyone having bike troubles. 

Ciclovías began in Bogotá, Columbia over thirty years ago and have made their way throughout Latin America to the U.S. Beginning as a response to the traffic and pollution of city streets, CicLAvia hopes to unite communities and promote a healthy way of living. 

Angelenos will surely welcome the fun and safe environment CicLAvia provides to explore their city in a new and unique way. 

For more information check out CicLAvia's website and FAQ page.

Reach Elysia Rodrigues here.


 

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