CicLAvia Route Changed but Still Coming to Venice

CicLAvia organizers have slightly altered the route that will take cyclists, skaters and pedestrians from downtown L.A. to Venice Beach on April 21.

While the long stretch down Venice Boulevard has been retained, the stretch along Figueroa Street has been ditched, and instead people will continue cruising along 7th Street to MacArthur Park and along Alvarado Street until reaching Venice Boulevard.  

The 15-mile ride that starts at El Pueblo de Los Angeles at 10 a.m. on April 21 is the longest route is the event’s 6-year history. CicLAvia, inspired by the Colombian bike movement ciclovia, drew about 100,000 participants when it started in October 2010. And the new route is a breakthrough in expanding the route to the Westside.

Citywide, there are now 431 miles of bikeways, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. And, about 5,000 bike racks have been installed during Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s tenure.

In addition to the Venice ride in April, a second event will take place June 23, winding its way along Wilshire Boulevard from downtown to the SoFax area. An Oct. 6 ride is also planned and will essentially be the same downtown route as last October with some minor changes.