After the first two events of its kind drew about 100,000 people, Los Angeles may see even bigger crowds for the third Ciclavia this weekend.
Cyclists, walkers, skaters and those on strollers and wheelchairs will get to enjoy 10 miles of car-free roads Sunday from Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights to the Bicycle District in East Hollywood.
The event, which encourages people to enjoy the streets as public space, was inspired by the Ciclovias started in Bogota, Colombia over thirty years ago. Similar events have now spread to various cities in Latin America and the United States, where focus has grown to make urban areas more bike and pedestrian friendly.
Participants will enjoy an extended route this Sunday with 2.5 miles added to the original 7.5-mile route, branching off north and south from downtown.
Until recently, plans for a deeper expansion into Boyle Heights leading to the edge of unincorporated East Los Angeles seemed to be underway. However, according to CicLAvia organizers, the expansion was postponed due to a lack of funds and the need for further coordination with the city. Organizers hope to bring an extension into Boyle Heights in 2012.
Visit ciclavia.org for a look at the map and for information on activities along the CicLAvia route.
CicLAvia:
Free and open to all ages
Sunday, Oct. 9
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollenbeck Park
415 S Saint Louis St
Los Angeles, CA 90033
