Bikes and Pedestrians Rule, As CicLAvia Clears the Streets

Above, the midday scene on Sunday outside the LAPD and LA Times headquarters, across the street from City Hall, as CicLAvia was in full gear (pun intended). The Blogger Toddler 2.0 and I walked up and down the streets (sadly, I couldn't get my bike and the baby trailer all the way down there) for the event, which shuts down 10 miles of L.A. streets to bicyclists and pedestrians. The Toddler and I walked much of downtown, including 7th and Spring Streets, stopping along the way at favorite spots such as The Last Bookstore (where I plopped down $25 for 10 great kids books -- whatta deal!). We also checked out the Occupy LA protesters on the lawn of City Hall (check out our separate post).

According to the LA Times:

Authorities reported no major injuries or crimes along the route. And event organizers estimated that the turnout for Sunday's ride exceeded April's, which was estimated at 130,000. CicLAvia was inspired by the ciclovia (Spanish for "bike path") movement in Bogota, Colombia, which began nearly 30 years ago. The event has become so popular locally that other cities are considering holding similar events.

We'll definitely be at the next one in the spring! Meanwhile, here are some pics we took on Sunday:


Bikes stop for crossing traffic at 7th and Broadway


Directing traffic at 5th and Spring


A band performs at Bolt barber shop on Spring Street


Lunch from the Bun Truck


Adults and kids take a break from riding or walking to engage in a game of Dodgeball


Street Dodgeball!


Lady in the mural spies the CicLAvia participants


Riding and walking down Spring Street


Disney Hall peaks out as bike riders head down.

MEANWHILE, check out this awesome video just posted of the Oct. 9 CicLAvia route, from Boyle Heights to East Hollywood -- in two minutes. (Via L Hasegawa.)