Swee (Ool) Woo loves to longboard. She has attended all but two CicLAvia events since 2010, so there's a good chance you've spotted her.
With a bright smile, infectious laugh, and bottomless energy, she is a familiar and favorite participant. More than a recognizable regular, the mold-breaking 65-year-old has become a CicLAvia icon, propelling herself down the route on her longboard, being towed along by a new friend, or dancing at a Hub.
"I feel like I'm free like I don't have any worries, and I'm enjoying what I'm doing. It makes it even better when people along the way say, 'Hey, look, there's that grandma on the longboard!'" —Swee (Ool) Woo
We love Swee because she embodies the spirit of CicLAvia everyday. We're proud that she credits the safe environment of car-free streets during CicLAvia events for providing her opportunities to improve her skateboarding skills. She often combines her longboard and Metro to get around town.
“LA people seem to be in a hurry all the time. I think they should slow down, take public transportation, and smell the roses.” —Swee (Ool) Woo
To say a sixty-something who longboards breaks stereotypes would be an understatement. Swee showcases that active transportation is for everyone, no matter one's age. She even inspired Spectrum News 1 reporter, Kristopher Gee, to do a feature story on her, joining Swee at our March 3 event, CicLAvia—Culver City Meets Mar Vista + Palms.
Thank you, Swee! You continue to inspire us every day.
