CicLAvia!

Yesterday marked the first CicLAvia event in Los Angeles. Ciclovia is a concept that started in Bogota, Columbia over thirty years ago. The concept is to close streets to cars and open streets for people to bicycle, walk, run, and overall enjoy our streets from a different perspective. This event was arranged through a dedicated steering committee that worked for 2 years and partnered with Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and Mayor Villaraigosa's office among others. Estimates range from 50,000 - 100,000 people enjoyed the 7.5 mile route from East Hollywood to Boyle Heights.
As I am experiencing a hiatus from cycling, I enjoyed the route as a pedestrian. I found that cyclists were respectful of my space. I have seen a few complaints to the contrary, however I have not seen any reports of collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. The most remarkable part of the event was that the participants represented the diversity of Los Angeles. I saw people of all ages, races, abilities, genders enjoying the streets.

The smiles and positive energy was incredible. I saw a young boy biking down hill yelling, "This is awesome!" As I walked through downtown, another pedestrian approached me and said "I love this!"

The majority of people were cycling. There were pedestrians, rollerbladers, skateboarders, speed walkers, segways, and runners. I walked down the street without feeling intimidated by the cyclists. Sometimes it would be a little crazy to hear a bunch of people coming up behind you, but I never felt at risk from being hit. I did hook up with one of the 3 pedicabs for a short bit. Maybe there's only 3 pedicabs in LA? I kinda doubt that, so to encourage more pedestrians, it would be cool to see more in the future.

Two other suggestions for improvements. More interaction with the businesses to encourage people to spill out their store or restaurant onto the street. I think businesses that were open along the route, especially in downtown had more business than a typical Sunday. Dodgeball was great! It brought kids and adults into a fun game. I think more sports/games along the streets on the route. I loved the dumpster pool idea from New York City's summer streets this year.

The overwhelming conclusion is that Los Angeles needs more cicLAvia's. The future plans include hosting 5 events next year, and more to come after that. It was great to see that a city with such a strong car culture embraced their removal from the streets for a day outside. Congrats to all the organizers and to Los Angeles!