CicLAvia to Close Streets Sunday
CicLAvia closes streets to traffic so Los Angeles residents can take a break from their car-dependent culture. People bike, skate, run and hula hoop along the route.
The past two events ran 7.5 miles from East Hollywood to Boyle Height. For the third event Sunday, the route has been expanded to 10 miles to include parts of Chinatown and South LA.
CicLAvia says their event is aimed at social integration, not just recreation. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa agreed.
"We're reclaiming public space that we paid for that we don't ever really use."
CicLAvia gives neighbors the opportunity to meet each other while shop owners along the route are encouraged to open their doors to participants.
Originally started in Bogota, Columbia to combat rampant congestion, the event has spread throughout Latin America and the United States. Villaraigosa stressed the need for residents to spend time out of their vehicles.
"This city is absolutely addicted to getting in their car and going two blocks to the market," Villaraigosa said.
CicLAvia touts environmental and traffic benefits. But internal tourism may be the biggest advantage to closing streets for pedestrians. Supporters say it is a chance to rediscover the city's streets. Villraigosa did not underestimate the power of bringing the Angelenos outside.
"You get to fall in love with your city all over again."
For more information, visit CicLAvia.org
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