On June 18th CicLAvia South LA presented by Metro, welcomed everyone of all ages and abilities to its’ 46th car-free open streets event taking place in South Los Angeles along Vermont Ave, between Exposition Blvd to the north and Century Blvd to the south, for the public to jog, ride, bike, skate, run, walk, skateboard, spectate, and enjoy the 6.2 mile route.
CicLAvia-South LA had four hubs: Exposition Park Hub located on Vermont Ave between Exposition Blvd and MLK Jr Blvd; Vermont Slauson Hub located on Vermont between Slauson Ave and Gage Ave; Westmont Hub located on Vermont between Manchester Ave and 92nd St; and Juneteenth Hub located on Century Ave at Western Ave. Hubs have family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refilling stations, free basic bike repair, bike parking, and first aid. Free pedicab rides, sponsored by AARP, were available at each information booth.
A highlight of CicLAvia – South LA featured Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair, a free community event that raises awareness of the historical impact of Juneteenth and creates a space for redefining what freedom means today. This event includes live performances, food trucks, activities, and access to community and county services, and creates a necessary space for celebrating joy and redefining what freedom means today with empowering discussions, performances, and activities.
CicLAvia was inspired by the ciclovías of Bogotá, Colombia, where streets are closed to cars on Sundays and holidays, allowing people to walk, bike, and enjoy the city without the noise and pollution of motor vehicles. CicLAvia’s first event took place in 2010, and since then, the organization has held over 30 events, attracting millions of participants and transforming the streets of Los Angeles into vibrant public spaces.
Enjoy some photos from the day and experience CicLAvia – South LA.
Photos by CicLAvia Los Angeles