Known for catalyzing vibrant public spaces, active transportation and good health through car-free streets, and working on future events as soon as the city provides the go-ahead, CicLAvia is going strong as it ventures into its’ next decade. Known for car-free streets initiatives every other month, eight hours at a time, six miles per stretch (one-way) – to incredible outcomes, CicLAvia has become the largest event of its kind in the U.S. and a leader in the global Open Streets movement.
The first CicLAvia event took place on Oct. 10, 2010, with a stretch of open streets from East Hollywood through downtown L.A. into Boyle Heights. More than 100,000 Angelenos turned out with people-powered transportation (bicycles, walking, skateboarding, scooters, running, pedicabs, etc.), exceeding expectations.
Inspired by the Bogotá, Colombia’s ciclovía events that started 45 years ago, CicLAvia began as a grassroots initiative by individuals who recognized that Open Streets events could address active transportation, urban land use, and public health needs in L.A.
Ten years and 35 CicLAvias later, more than 1.8 million people of all ages (averaging 53,000 participants at each event) have explored nearly 226 miles of open streets in L.A. County. Each CicLAvia route is 6-8 times larger than the median size of L.A.’s existing public parks, and have included Culver City streets as well as streets in adjacent cities on several occassions.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti recognized the milestone on Twitter.
“For a decade, CicLAvia has shared with our city the beauty of open streets, bringing Angelenos together to enjoy our neighborhoods,” Garcetti’s tweet began.
“We join them in celebrating their 10 year anniversary and we can’t wait until we can all be riding together again.”
To celebrate, CicLAvia has released merchandise commemerating their 10th anniversary. Show your CicLAvia pride all year long (and during the pandemic) by purchasing gifts for good! All proceeds benefit CicLAvia, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The gifts available to purchase are:
- 10 Years of CicLAvia Bandana – $10.00
- Upcycled Zipper Pouches – $12.00
- Upcycled Hip Packs – $30.00
- CicLAvia Shopping Tote – $36.00
- CicLAvia Nutcase Helmet – $50.00
- CicLAvia 10th Anniversary Tea Towel – $12.00
- CicLAvia 10th Anniversary T-Shirt – $20.00
- Many shirts and caps of different styles and images for children and adults
- Route Memorabilia
To learn more about CicLAvia and to visit their online store, visit their website at ciclavia.org/