CicLAvia Routes Receive $2.35 Million in Funding from Metro as Part of an Expansion of Car-Free, Open Streets Events Throughout Los Angeles County
Funds for Routes in East LA, Pasadena, Southeast Cities, Culver City and The Valley
LOS ANGELES – The Metro Board of Directors voted unanimously today on the recipients of $3.7 million in funding for car-free events, with CicLAvia-partnered projects receiving more than $2.35 million, or 65 percent of the overall funding. The Metro funding will be used to support the planning, coordination, promotion and other related costs for open streets events throughout Los Angeles County.
The funds awarded to the non-profit CicLAvia and its community partners means that East LA will see its first CicLAvia route extension this October. Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, Culver City and Southeast Cities will have their first CicLAvia events in 2015 and 2016. These are new CicLAvia route areas, and the events will showcase the culture, architecture, history and businesses of each community. In addition to the Metro funding, which will cover a portion of the event costs, the individual communities and CicLAvia will also contribute significant funds toward producing each route.
“CicLAvia’s mission has long-been to connect people in all areas of Los Angeles County through open streets events,” said CicLAvia Executive Director Aaron Paley. “We are thrilled that Metro shares our view of the importance of open streets and recognizes the success of CicLAvia as a model for catalyzing positive economic, health, environmental, transportation and social impact within and between communities. This places the Los Angeles region at the forefront of open streets events in North America and serves as a shining example of how we can work together to transform communities.”
"Open Streets events like CicLAvia utilize our public space in innovative ways and bring together communities," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "I look forward to seeing these events expand across the region so all Angelenos have the opportunity to experience our city with just two feet or a set of wheels."
“Los Angeles County has seen a significant increase in all bicycle trips boosted largely by awareness brought about by these ‘open streets’ programs,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, a longtime member of the Metro board. “After the City of Los Angeles held its first CicLAvia in 2010, residents expressed the desire to replace traffic with forms of transportation that allow them to exercise and reduce carbon emissions – both of which benefit their overall health. Events like CicLAvia also familiarize residents with Metro’s public transit alternatives and destinations along routes that can be accessed without a car. We hope to replicate this success countywide with open streets. I’m very pleased the Board voted to approve the funding for this wonderful program.”
"Culver City is grateful for this funding from Metro, which will allow us to expand on the successes of our CicLAvia hub in 2013,” Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells said. “Last year's event attracted thousands of people from all over the region, giving our local businesses a big boost, and providing a great healthy recreation opportunity for all. I can't wait for Culver City CicLAvia in 2015!"
“The City of Huntington Park is very excited about the opportunity to bring a CicLAvia event to the Southeast Cities. Not only will it serve as an example of cities working together in our region but also will serve as a boost to our economy,” Julio Morales, Chief Financial Officer, City of Huntington Park, stated.
“We are excited for the entire region to experience car-free streets through the heart of Pasadena. The event will support our efforts to be a walkable, bike friendly city and will showcase the amazing diversity of local merchants along the route,” Mark Yamarone, Department of Transportation, Pasadena, said.
CicLAvia and its partner cities are only a part of the Metro funding recipients. The agency has also awarded funding to events in the cities of Long Beach, Lawndale, Carson, Downey, Santa Monica, and multi-city events in the San Gabriel Valley. CicLAvia envisions producing as many as seven open streets events per year by 2018. With the growth of similar events throughout the county led by other cities, there will likely be an open streets event somewhere in Los Angeles County each month, if not more frequently. CicLAvia will continue to organize its signature large-scale events that connect multiple neighborhoods and communities, and attract tens of thousands of participants from throughout Southern California.
CicLAvia has held nine open streets events since 2010 that have attracted hundreds of thousands of participants. There are two more CicLAvias planned for 2014 – Heart of LA on October 5 and South LA on December 7. Details of those routes will be announced next month.
