City Councilman Jim Clarke is seeking assistance for a plan to make Culver City a key midpoint of an event that organizers believe will draw thousands of spectators.
On April 21, Los Angeles will be hosting the sixth annual “CicLAvia,” a one-day event where long stretches of city streets are closed to vehicles so that bicyclists, roller skaters, skateboarders, joggers and walkers can use them.
Last year, the event attracted between an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 participants.
Next month, the route will include the westbound lane of Venice Boulevard from downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach, putting Culver City in the position to act as a focal point for the event, says Clarke.
“That makes Culver City a perfect place for a ‘hub’ location,” the councilman wrote in a recent email. “Culver City is located about in the middle which means we will attract riders from both directions as well as those who chose to use ( the Expo Line light rail station in Culver City) either coming or going.”
Clarke, who works for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, thinks what has worked in some areas of the city that have been creative during CicLAvia could also work in Culver City. “Our intention is to close off Main Street to traffic and to utilize Parcel B as a bike valet station,” he explained. “We will have first aid station, bike repair facilities, and information booths for various city organizations set up.”
Clarke envisions thousands of people coming into Culver City who will “park their bikes and enjoy our downtown restaurants and visit the booths.”
Ciclovías began in Bogotá, Colombia over 30 years ago as a response to the congestion and pollution of city streets. It has become an international event, with similar ciclovías happening throughout Latin America and the United States.
Culver City is investing an estimated $12,500 in in-kind police, public works and sanitation services, but Clarke says because the planned “Culver City Hub” is outside of Los Angeles, city funds cannot be used to underwrite the costs.
Sony Studios has pledged $10,000 as a challenge grant and the Downtown Business Association has offered to raise $5,000 toward the Sony grant. “I have pledged to raise $5,000 from Culver City residents as part of the match,” Clarke wrote.
The councilman says those who wish to can make donations online by visiting the CicLAvia website at http://www.ciclavia.org/support-donate/ or mail them to him, Jim B. Clarke, P.O. Box 4251, Culver City, Ca 90231-4521.
The councilman says all funds that are raised will be used exclusively for the Culver City Hub. The events will take place from m 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Clarke, who was elected to office last April, recalled one of the staples from his campaign where he discussed with potential voters how critical he felt it was to be engaged in civic activities that can draw attention to Culver City.
“When I was campaigning for City Council, I felt it was important for us residents to support the great activities and events we enjoy in Culver City,” he wrote. “This is one of those opportunities.”