In a week full of showers, the rain decided to take a break for CicLAvia—The Valley! Despite the cold and cloudy weather, the CicLAvia community showed up and brought the sunshine to Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda.
Our 43rd event kicked off with a Press Conference featuring remarks by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Connie Llanos (LADOT Interim GM), State Senator Caroline Menjivar (20th District), State Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel, Regional LAUSD Superintendent Dr. David Baca, and Romel Pascual (CicLAvia Executive Director). A highlight was how they are all actively making the Valley more accessible for people-powered mobility including extending the current bike path along the LA River. After the press conference ended, the Taft High School Dance Team sent us off with a wonderful performance!
Our community partners were there to educate and inspire! The LA Public Library arrived in style with their famous book bike and handed out free books to the public. They also helped people sign up for a free library card! Metro’s Art Bus made an appearance at the Canoga Park Hub and gave people the opportunity to check out the bus up close and learn how to properly load your bike onto a Metro bus. The National Park Service also had an exhibit with a beloved P-22 mascot and various animal artifacts for you to interact with.
No need to worry about bike issues or not having your own set of wheels. JB Bike Shop 2, Hollydale Cycling Club, and Bike Oven offered free bike repairs while AARP provided free pedi-cab rides for all.
We also had an amazing lineup of live bands and performers on our stage at the Canoga Park Hub. Huge thanks to the GR818ERS for producing and running the stage throughout the entire event! Special shoutout to DJ Lobita, Little Combat, Cook, and Alex Andre for bringing the tunes and entertainment all day long!
There were plenty of places to stop and snack along the route. David Wesiberg, owner of Cavaretta’s Italian Deli said, “Today was a beautiful day! We were so busy with customers purchasing yummy sandwiches and pastries. The front of the store was just a complete joy watching families stroll by in all different ways with smiles on their faces. Can’t wait for the next one!”
A huge thank you to Vinh Loi Tofu for hosting the Friends of CicLAvia lunch for our CicLAvia Street Stars. Want to be invited to the next gathering? Become a Street Star by setting up a monthly donation here.
And of course, there were many iconic photo opportunities along Sherman Way including the Madrid Theatre under construction in Canoga Park, the glorious palm trees lined up in Winnetka, and the Reseda welcome sign!
As always, our furry friends and enthusiastic participants brought smiles to miles all day long showing that CicLAvia is truly open to ALL types of people powered mobility, like running, walking, scooters, skateboards, and roller skates too.
A huge shoutout to our wonderful team of volunteers who helped out all throughout the route! Interested in volunteering at the next event? Click here for more info!
This event was made possible because of generous donations from people like you. Be sure to join our CicLAvia Street Stars and support open streets in Los Angeles all year long!
We have 7 more events planned for 2023. Sign up for our email list so that you don’t miss out on route maps and other important announcements!
Photos: Brian Feinzimer, Farah Sosa, Kirk Tsonos, and Snap Yourself!
