Inspired by ciclovía, the weekly street closure event in Bogotá, Colombia, established over 30 years ago, CicLAvia consists of the temporary opening of Los Angeles streets to all Angelenos. Free to the public, it interconnects diverse portions of the city, creating a web of temporary public space, free of car traffic.

On Sundays of CicLAvia events:

• 1AM – officially no parking on the route goes into effect – if any car is parked on the route after 1 am on Sunday, it will be towed 
• 6AM – city begins to tow any cars parked on the route 
• 8AM – city begins closing streets to secure route, with full closure in effect by approximately 9:30 am
• 3PM – city begins to re-open the route car traffic – route is fully open by approximately 4:00 pm

At 4pm, after CicLAvia, the roads begin re-opening to cars and are fully open by approximately 4:30pm. (Note: The June 23rd event has extended hours, from 9:00am to 4:00pm)

Then you are in luck - you can just walk out your door and enjoy!

But, please take note that any cars parked on the CicLAvia route after 1:00 am on the Sunday of the event will be towed! Cars will not be allowed back on these streets until approximately 3:30 pm on that Sunday after the event. Additionally, all driveways along the route will be blocked from 8 am - 3:30 pm.

Bike rental options are currently rather limited in Los Angeles. If you don't have a bike, you can walk, run, skate, scooter - bikes not required. Here are the near-route bike shops that we know of that do bike rental. Call ahead, pay for your reservation in advance, because these rentals sell out.

• Downtown L.A. Bicycles - 1626 S. Hill Street (at Venice Blvd), Downtown L.A. Reserve online, and note that they will open at 9:00am!
• DTLA Bikes - 425 S. Broadway (at 4th St), Downtown L.A.
• Flying Pigeon - 3714 N. Figueroa (at Marmion Way), Highland Park
• Bikes and Hikes LA - 8743 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood -Offers a CicLAvia discount, inlcudes locks and helmets.
• IZIP Store Santa Monica - 2803 Main Street, Santa Monica. IZIP is offering a discount on the day of CicLAvia!
• Boardwalk Skates - 201 1/2 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
• Bicycle Whisperer - 724 Vernon Court, Venice
• Bike Curious Rentals - 34 Windward Avenue, Venice
• Venice Beach Rentals - 3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
• J's Rentals - 1501 Ocena Front Walk, Venice
• Venice Beach Station - 100 Venice Way, Venice
• Helen's Cycles - 2472 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
• Bike Attack, 2400 Main Street, Santa Monica

Yes. There will be portable toilets, including ADA accessible ones, at hubs along along each CicLAvia route.

There will be hydration stations at hubs along along each CicLAvia route.

The water stations will be set up as taps (water fountains connected to LADWP fire hydrants), so in the spirit of conservation, CicLAvia asks participants to bring their own water bottle. There will also be CicLAvia water bottles for sale at all rest stops, courtesy of REI.

The CicLAvia route does change, in order to spread its benefits to as many neighborhoods and people as possible. 

This year, CicLAvia will host three events: CicLAvia - To the Sea on April 21; CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Boulevard on June 23; and CicLAvia - Heart of LA on October 6. Details about the routes and the neighborhoods participating can be found on our Events page.

CicLAvia is currently working to expand to diverse parts of Los Angeles, including Pomona/Claremont, the Southeast Cities region, West Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley.

Both ways, similar to the “normal” flow of traffic.

No.  There is no “start” or “finish.”  The streets operate as a platform allowing participants to enjoy the space as they see fit.

Yes.  Along with skates, rollerblades, etc…Basically anything without a motor. We ask that you participate responsibly by watching for other participants and by wearing a helmet.

Yes.  CicLAvia is for everyone – especially children and their families.  There will be ample space for strollers along the route.

Yes. At previous CicLAvias, individuals have been seen running, walking dogs, rollerblading, gathering together to play music, participating in impromptu tennis matches, picnicking, reading, conducting street theatre and dining at restaurants—just to name a few activities!

There are lots of activities along the route that don't require a bike. in the past there has been dodge ball, yoga classes, capoeira performances, parades, marches, etc. 

Yes.  With no starting point, individuals requiring handicap-accessible areas can enter wherever.  There are minimal inclines along each route and any portion deemed steep will have proper signage.    

For more information on how disabled participants can enjoy CicLAvia, please visit: Some Tips for Wheelchair CicLAvia Participants.

CicLAvia’s limited event permit and insurance only cover active recreation in the streets – activities that keep the flow of the street moving forward and are in the spirit of walking, bicycling, jogging, rollerblading, skateboarding, etc. The permit and insurance do not cover tabling.

CicLAvia wants gatherings of friends/co-workers along the route to be an integral part of the event.  It is suggested to engage active ways of getting the message into a large flow of people and bikes in the streets.  CicLAvia encourages interested parties to be innovative and resourceful in this regard. Perhaps you can have a “moving table” – a bicycle that markets a cause, or a procession in the streets with banners or signs.

Organizations and individuals who would like to set up a table along the route or at one of the many parks or pubic spaces during CicLAvia are encouraged to contact the appropriate city department (Parks & Recreation, Bureau of Street Services, Fire Department, etc.) for the necessary permits and insurance. 

CicLAvia is a partnership of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the City of Los Angeles, and the CicLAvia organization.

Without the vision of the Mayor, the support of his staff, and the strong backing of the City Council, CicLAvia would not be possible. 

Please refer to the How To Get To CicLAvia section for public transit suggestions.

Spanish to English, “bike way.” It also describes either a permanently designated bicycle route or a temporary event, the closing of the street to automobiles for use by others.

With a mission to encourage safe, vibrant public spaces, sustainable transportation, and public health through a program of car-free street events, CicLAvia seeks to improve not only the communities along the route, but the entire Los Angeles region. Through its four core areas of advocacy - improved public health, increased public space, enhanced community and economic development, and the promotion of bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation advocacy – CicLAvia seeks to positively affect local and regional policy, while building a sustainable, recurring program that is fully integrated into the complex city bureaucracy and interwoven into the fabric of the city itself. 

CicLAvia is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status from the IRS. 

Each event costs approximately $350,000 to produce.  Funds used are a public/private split: with the CicLAvia organization covering 40% of the costs and the City of Los Angeles covering the other 60%.

No money is taken from the City of Los Angeles’ “General Fund,” but rather money is appropriated from federal and state programs dealing with the environment, public health and alternative mobility.

Private money includes individual and corporate donations and sponsorships, as well as support from foundations.

Please see our Events page for details about our three CicLAvia events in 2013 - April 21, June 23, and October 6.