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How might we restore vibrancy in cities and regions facing economic decline? Read the challenge brief

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Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

Street Party for Bikes- No Cars Allowed

CicLAvia is an event in Los Angeles where the city closes down miles of streets in the city to allow people a space to ride bikes, enjoy street fairs, talk to their neighbors, and enjoy the city street space without crazy LA traffic.
CicLAvia provides an opportunity for people to recreate in their communities and enjoy their city. There may not be miles of continuous park space in LA, but there is plenty of aspalt, and CicLAvia does its best to turn some of those streets into parks. No cars are allowed, so resident can play in the space instead of having to look both ways. Miles of city streets are closed off for bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, street fairs, food trucks, dodge ball and bike-by art shows along the way.

Attractions and games like dodgeball and giant chess boards are put together by volunteers to give CicLAvia participants a chance to interact with their neighbors. And the volunteers who make the games get a chance to showcase their creativity! It's a place for collaboration and inspiration that everyone in the city can enjoy.

It also helps people explore new corners of their neighborhood. Much of the time LA residents are so busy with their working lives they do not know there is a hidden park just around the corner or a local bakery that serves award winning neapolitan pastries just up the street. Half the battle in LA is getting people out of their cars so they can discover the businesses they drive by every day. Riding bikes and playing on streets surrounded by local businesses helps people connect with their portion of Los Angeles.

It is also a great way to give local businesses a platform for their enterprises. Especially in a time where local businesses are struggling to stay afloat, a street event like CicLAvia helps spotlight the engine of healthy economies, small local businesses.

Last but certainly not least, getting city residents out on bicycles introduces them to a clean alternative to automotive transportation. Most LA folks drive down the block to visit their friends instead of walking, so a bike riding event is a revolutionary idea in LA.
Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

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Meena Kadri

Meena's profile photo delete comment
December 05, 2011, 03:34AM
Great stuff! We've been hearing about these kinds of initiatives elsewhere but it's fab to hear they're also catching on in LA of all places!
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