Politics & Government

Security, Rail Service Increased for Mega L.A. Weekend Events

CicLaVia, the popular biking event, will end up in Venice on Sunday. It is one of five major Los Angeles events where many will gather less than a week after the Boston bombings.

Expect to see more law enforcement on buses and trains if you are taking in events around Los Angeles this weekend, including the CicLAVia festivities in Venice Beach.

In anticipation of large crowds at five major L.A. events, Metro and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are teaming up to provide additional rail service and extra security in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

"I hope they [event attendees] can expect a normal weekend with some really nice cultural and sporting events in the city, and I hope they enjoy it," LASD Lt. John Sullivan told Patch Wednesday.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

CicLAvia will wind its way from downtown L.A. to Venice Beach on Sunday. In 2012, it drew more than 100,000 participants, according to Metro.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California takes place Saturday and Sunday. Last year, it attracted between 140,000 and 150,000 people.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Saturday, the L.A. Clippers hold their playoff game and, on Sunday, the L.A. Kings expect to draw 50,000 spectators to the Staples Center.

Also on Sunday, the Grand Prix of Long Beach expects at least 100,000 people to watch the raceway action, said Senior Relations Officer Paul Gonzalez. 

"It must be remembered that large events such as these are not unusual when it comes to SoCal," Gonzalez said. Officials do not want to amplify the fear in the wake of the Boston explosions. "There's going to be enhanced security at all [bus and rail] locations," he said.

Sullivan said there's no specific threat to L.A., but authorities are in a state of "heightened vigilance" since the bomb explosions that killed three and injured about 175 near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday.

"We've had a heightened visibility posture on all public transit system as well as public spaces," Sullivan said.

Specifically, he said authorities have used explosion detection K-9s, mobile search and screening teams, random bag checks, high visibility patrols and rapid response personnel to clear traffic congestion.

"We have focused on getting some additional crisis response motorcyclists should there be congestion," he said. "Certainly around CicLAvia and the Grand Prix — any mass gatherings — there could be heat stroke and people getting dehydrated."

Following the Boston bombings, Metro and LASD launched a new transit security website funded by the Department of Homeland Security. The Los Angeles Police Department echoed the message "if you see something, say something" by launching iWatchLA.org to raise awareness about community security.

The Long Beach mayor and police chief also said the city will have strong security for the Grand Prix, and added there have been no threats.

Extra rail service

The five major weekend events prompted Metro to add more train service on several rail lines.

On both days, Expo trains between Culver City and downtown will operate every six minutes rather than the normal 12 to 15 minutes for the weekend schedule. Metro will also staff key Metro Rail stations with extra personnel to help manage passenger flows on and off trains, including passengers with bicycles going to CicLAvia.

Additional passenger service will be provided at various times on the Metro Gold, Red, Purple and Blue Lines  to assist passengers traveling to and from this weekend’s other events, including the Grand Prix and downtown L.A. sports venues.

Metro also will add Metro Silver Line standby buses at El Monte Station and Artesia Station terminals to carry additional passengers as needed.

Metro officials noted that some participants in Sunday's CicLAvia event were expected to rely on public transit to access the route, and offered several tips for people taking bikes on trains.

  • Always walk bikes in the station and on trains.
  • If a train is crowded, wait for the next one.
  • Allow other passengers to exit and enter the train before boarding.
  • Stand with your bike in the designated open area onboard.
  • Keep doors and aisles clear, and give priority to wheelchair passengers.
  • Fuel-powered, three-wheel, tandem, recumbent, more than 6-foot-long bicycles, mopeds and trailers are not permitted aboard trains.
  • Bicyclists under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Riding a Metro train requires a TAP card, which costs $1 and is available at rail stations. People who plan to take multiple trains or buses are encouraged to purchase a Metro Day Pass, which costs $5 and allows unlimited rides for one day. The pass must be loaded onto a TAP card.

- City News Service contributed to this report.

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