Transforming Hollywood: CicLAvia’s Car-Free Streets Spark Joy and Safety Concerns

On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Los Angeles witnessed the fourth full-scale CicLAvia event of the year, transforming the bustling streets of Hollywood, West Hollywood, and East Hollywood into a car-free haven for pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters. This event, titled “Meet the Hollywoods,” marked the 54th iteration of CicLAvia since its inception in 2010, and it was a day filled with vibrant activities, community engagement, and a vision for a more pedestrian-friendly city.

The Route and Its Significance

The route for this CicLAvia event stretched over 6.6 miles, connecting Santa Monica and San Vicente Boulevards in West Hollywood to Hollywood Boulevard and Hillhurst Avenue in East Hollywood. The streets were closed to motorized vehicles from 7 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m., allowing participants to explore the area on foot, bike, or other non-motorized modes of transport. The event kicked off at 9 a.m. and continued until 4 p.m., offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the city in a new light.

The route passed by several iconic landmarks, including the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, and Amoeba Music. Participants could join the event at any point along the route, which featured five hubs: West Hollywood Hub, Plummer Park Hub, Walk of Fame Hub, Hollywood Blvd Hub, and East Hollywood Hub. Each hub offered restrooms, water refill stations, bike repair services, and first aid, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

Community and Safety

CicLAvia’s mission is to encourage residents to explore their neighborhoods and connect with their community in a safe and enjoyable environment. By closing streets to car traffic, the event aims to reduce the intimidation and danger often associated with busy roadways. As Tafarai Bayne, chief strategist for CicLAvia, noted, “We don’t create enough safe space for bicyclists and pedestrians to get around.” The event provides a glimpse into what a more pedestrian-friendly Los Angeles could look like, promoting a vision of the city with more space dedicated to people rather than cars.

The event also highlighted serious safety concerns for bikers and pedestrians along Hollywood Boulevard. Between 2010 and 2019, 56 people were killed or severely injured along a 2-mile segment of the boulevard. Part of the street is on the city’s “High Injury Network,” where 70% of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries occur. CicLAvia draws attention to these issues and advocates for safer streets through initiatives like the “Access to Hollywood” project, which aims to add protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, new crosswalks, and a dedicated bus lane to improve safety.

Activities and Engagement

CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods was not just about closing streets to cars; it was a celebration of community and culture. The event featured a variety of activities and programs at each hub, including street games, local business promotions, art installations, and cultural activations. Participants could enjoy free pedicab rides between hubs, making it easy to explore different parts of the route.

The West Hollywood Hub, for example, showcased public art by Los Angeles artist Peter Shire and offered bike repair services provided by Hollydale Cycling Club. Plummer Park Hub featured sculptures by Tanya Brodsky and a COVID-19 testing site, while the Walk of Fame Hub hosted the LA Phil booth with concert information and free swag. The Hollywood Blvd Hub provided clean energy beats from The Solar DJs and free youth bike helmets, and the East Hollywood Hub offered a kids bike safety skills course and information from local neighborhood councils.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles, CicLAvia events offer a unique and immersive way to experience the city. These events provide a rare opportunity to explore iconic neighborhoods without the usual hustle and bustle of car traffic. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, participating in CicLAvia can give you a fresh perspective on the city and its vibrant communities.

For occasional travelers, we recommend checking the CicLAvia schedule in advance and planning your visit around one of these events. It’s a fantastic way to see the city, meet new people, and enjoy a day of outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of your experience.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the neighborhoods along the CicLAvia route in more depth. Take the time to visit local businesses, try new restaurants, and discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. Engaging with the community and supporting local enterprises can enrich your travel experience and create lasting memories.

In conclusion, CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods was a resounding success, bringing together thousands of participants to enjoy a day of car-free streets and community engagement. The event not only provided a safe and enjoyable environment for people-powered mobility but also highlighted important issues related to pedestrian and cyclist safety in Los Angeles. As we look forward to future CicLAvia events, we can continue to imagine and work towards a more pedestrian-friendly and connected city.