Inspired by the ciclovía events that started 40 years ago in Bogotá, Colombia, the first CicLAvia was held on Oct. 10, 2010. Since then, CicLAvia has grown to become the largest open streets event in the country - more than one million people have explored over 140 miles of open streets in Los Angeles County.
CicLAvia's annual Heart of L.A. route returns on Sunday, Dec. 2. Taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the route will offer miles of city streets for participants to explore by bike, foot, skateboard, wheelchair and other non-motorized traffic. Streets in Downtown L.A., Chinatown and Boyle Heights will be closed to cars and open for cyclists, pedestrians, runners and skaters to use as a recreational space.
New to CicLAvia? Here are four things you need to know for Dec. 2:
- It's FREE!
- It's not a race and you don't need a bike to participate. You can walk or skate to your heart's content.
- There's no beginning or end. You can start anywhere and go as far or as short as you want.
- The flow of participants goes both ways, just like regular traffic.
Activities are taking place throughout the day at Hubs along the route. All Hubs will have restrooms, free water, free basic bike repair, bike parking, and first aid.
Catch a free pedicab ride—brought to you by AARP—to experience CicLAvia in a whole new way! Pedicab stops are available at each info booth, just look for the sign.
You can view the CicLAvia route, including activities, restaurants and car crossings, on the interactive digital map.
For general event information, contact CicLAvia at 213.355.8500 or info@ciclavia.org.
For concerns regarding street closures, reach out to the City of Los Angeles at 213.847.6000.
Activities
7TH STREET HUB
- Check out the latest in folding bikes from TERN.
- Sign up for a free Los Angeles Public Library card and keep an eye out for the roaming Book Bike. Free books will be given to people with library cards!
- Stop by the Metro activation and check out a Metro Bike, buy a Metro Bike Share Monthly Pass, play games to win cool Metro prizes, learn to put your bike on a Metro Bus bike rack, and chat with Metro planning staff.
- The Mayor’s Great Streets Initiative invites you to hang out at their pop-up parklet! Come and learn how to apply for the Round 3 Great Streets Community Challenge Grant. The grant offers successful applicants an opportunity to transform their streets into safer, more accessible and more vibrant corridors.
- Plug into the phone charging station at the LADWP Solar Trailer and let the sun re-power your phone.
CHINATOWN HUB
- Visit the LA Ranger Troca, a food truck turned mobile visitor center for the Santa Monica Mountains. Learn more about the National Parks Services programs, then scale their 25' rock wall.
- Capture a snapshot of your day at the Las Fotos Project photobooth.
- Does your child need a helmet? Stop by the California Highway Patrol booth and get fitted for a free kids helmet (while supplies last).
- Enjoy bites from one of the many local restaurants, challenge your friends to a match of ping pong, and enjoy other programming presented by the Chinatown Business Improvement District.
LITTLE TOKYO HUB
- Leave your mark on a community art bike by CicLAvia x Pure Cycles.
- Stop by the REI Co-op station for a camping themed rest and relaxation area, a prize wheel for a chance at cool swag, and take pictures with a “special guest” who you can share your outdoor gear wish- list with (and a chance to win an item off your list)!
- Explore one of L.A.’s most vibrant historic neighborhoods— unique cultural programs, community events, and the best dining and shopping experiences— in Little Tokyo! Learn more at golittletokyo.com.
- Stop by the Thousand Safety Checkpoint to get your helmet fitted, check your brakes, tire pressure and saddle height and learn other bike safety tips.
MARIACHI PLAZA HUB
- Stop by the Metro virtual bike share kiosk to check out a Metro bike (9am to 2pm).
- Diaper changing and breastfeeding stations by First 5 LA.
- Grab lunch, snacks and fresh produce at the Boyle Heights Community Market.
- Don’t miss DJ Fuego, Folklorico Dancers, and workout classes at the Mariachi Plaza Bandshell presented by the Boyle Heights Community Market.
- Don’t have a helmet? Stop by the El Centro de Ayuda booth for a free bike helmet (while supplies last) and learn more about their work in the community.
EVERGREEN HUB
- Complete the kids bike safety skills course and get a free helmet (while supplies last) courtesy of CicLAvia.
- Street Poets will be on-site with their Poetry in Motion Van, a mobile performance venue and recording studio, inspiring creative community, empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves on the page and on the mic.
- Grab a bite from some of L.A.’s best food trucks.
- Relax in the AARP play zone while catching up over vintage board games.
- Stop by the AARP booth for a chance to win an autographed LA Galaxy jersey and other prizes (while supplies last) and learn more about AARP’s involvement in the community. Follow @AARPCalifornia (FB) or @AARPCA (Twitter) for additional details.