On October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) we will host our first ever CicLAvia to create a temporary public space for bicycles and pedestrians on our streets. The 7.5 mile long route of car-free streets stretches from Boyle Heights through Downtown and East Hollywood and gives Angelenos a chance to walk, ride or skate safely past numerous landmarks and communities.
Ciclovías started over 30 years ago in Bogotá, Colombia, as a response and alternative to congested and polluted city streets. Sound familiar?
As the car capital of the world, we know a lot about congestion and pollution here in Los Angeles. Our streets are filled with traffic, our air polluted with toxic fumes, and our children suffer from obesity and other health conditions caused by the scarcity of public space, dirty air, and safe, healthy transportation options.
It is my hope that CicLAvia is not just a one-time event, but merely the beginning of a shift in the culture of Los Angeles away from the single-passenger automobile and towards healthy and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
So please join us on 10/10/10 for our first CicLAvia. These events have been successful in New York, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, Portland, Guadalajara and Bogotá and it's my goal to make Los Angeles' CicLAvia the biggest yet!
Follow Antonio Villaraigosa on Twitter: www.twitter.com/villaraigosa
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