Bicyclists roll with Reyes, Mayor for CicLAvia 2011

April 6, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Valencia
(213) 473-7001 Monica.Valencia@lacity.org

WHO: Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, First District
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City of Los Angeles
Chief of Police Charlie Beck
CicLAvia organizers

WHAT: Councilmember Reyes, joined with City leaders, environmental and bicycle advocates, announce details about CicLAvia, 7.5 miles of car-free streets for walking and bicycling on Sunday, April 10, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

WHEN: Thursday, April 7, 10-11 a.m.

WHERE: Los Angeles City Hall South Lawn steps, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012.

PARKING: Media parking will be along Main St. between 1st and Temple St. Since Main Street is a one-way street, we recommend that media enter via 1st Street.

DETAILS: CicLAvia returns to Los Angeles to promote bicycles as a means of sustainable transportation, increase use of public space, and to provide a safe and car-free route to unite the community. CicLAvia was inspired by an international phenomenon that started in Bogotá, Colombia more than 30 years ago. Streets are blocked off for bicyclists and pedestrians every Sunday in Bogotá for Ciclovía (Spanish for “bike path”).

The City’s first CicLAvia in October 2010 drew about 100,000 bicyclists, walkers, runners and skaters to enjoy 7.5 miles of car-free streets. The event returns to L.A. this Sunday, April 10, with a 7.5 mile-route through the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, Little Tokyo, Downtown, Westlake and MacArthur Park, Koreatown, and East Hollywood. CicLAvia organizers plan to expand the next event, scheduled for October 9, 2011, to the University of Southern California and Exposition Park.

Reyes, who chairs the City's Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River, has been a leader in creating bicycle paths along the Los Angeles River, bike lanes on Riverside-Figueroa St. Bridge and more bike racks.


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