Why should you join CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods this August?

The much-anticipated event, CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods, is set to return to Los Angeles on Sunday, August 18, 2024. This marks the 54th event organized by CicLAvia, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming streets into car-free zones, fostering a sense of community and promoting active transportation. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the iconic streets of East Hollywood, Hollywood, and West Hollywood in a car-free environment.

The Route and Activities

The route for CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods spans 6.6 miles, connecting East Hollywood, Hollywood, and West Hollywood via Hollywood Blvd, Orange, Highland Ave, Santa Monica Blvd, and San Vicente Blvd. Participants can enjoy a variety of people-powered modes of movement, including walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, and more. The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

The route features five hubs, each offering a range of activities and amenities. These hubs are:

– *West Hollywood Hub
– Plummer Park Hub
– Walk of Fame Hub
– Hollywood Blvd Hub
– East Hollywood Hub

Each hub serves as a walking zone with mandatory bike dismounts and provides family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refilling stations, free bike repair, bike parking, and first aid. Free pedicab rides will be available at each hub’s information booth, allowing participants to travel between hubs easily.

A Community-Driven Event

CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods is more than just an event; it is a celebration of community and active transportation. Inspired by Bogotá’s weekly ciclovía, CicLAvia temporarily closes streets to car traffic, transforming them into public parks where people can bike, walk, skate, and dance. Since its inception in 2010, CicLAvia has engaged over 1.6 million people, making it the largest open streets event in the United States.

The event is free for all participants, who are encouraged to explore local businesses and cultural activations along the route. In previous years, CicLAvia events have seen significant community engagement, with an estimated 35,000 people attending the Meet the Hollywoods event in 2019. This included over 10,000 cyclists and thousands of pedestrians, highlighting the event’s success in bringing the community together.

Safety and Participation Guidelines

Safety is a top priority for CicLAvia. The event is not a race, and there is no starting point or finish line. Participants can join the route at any point and enjoy the day at their own pace. Traffic flows in two directions, similar to regular traffic, and only people-powered vehicles are allowed, with exceptions for persons with disabilities. Electric scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, and other non-people-powered vehicles are not permitted, except for motorized wheelchairs and related vehicles for people with disabilities.

All participants must understand the risks involved, including potential physical and psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, and even death. By participating, individuals assume all known and unknown risks and release the organizers, employees, officers, volunteers, and agents from any claims, including those of negligence.

For general event information, participants can contact CicLAvia via email or phone at 213.355.8500.

Our Advice on the City

As you prepare to join CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods, consider exploring some of the hidden gems along the route. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the inclusive pride crosswalks of West Hollywood, there is much to see and experience. For occasional travelers, we recommend starting your journey early to avoid the crowds and take in the sights at a leisurely pace.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the local culture by visiting lesser-known spots such as the Plummer Park Community Center or the various art installations along Santa Monica Blvd. Engaging with local businesses and cultural activations will provide a richer, more immersive experience.

In conclusion, CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods* offers a unique and vibrant way to experience Los Angeles. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this event provides an opportunity to see the city from a new perspective, fostering a sense of community and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. So, mark your calendars for August 18, 2024, and get ready to enjoy a day of car-free streets and endless possibilities.