Wheels Up! Metro Presents CicLAvia: The Valley

The San Fernando Valley is known for a few things. Gum-chewing, hair-twirling girls who speak with long, drawn-out vowels, the porn industry, bad earthquakes, and of course, traffic. Lots of it. The City of Los Angeles can add as many lanes as it wants to our freeways-but the Sepulveda Pass at 5 p.m. will never be any fun. Looking for a better way to travel and have some fun getting there? Ditch the car and the headache on March 22 when “Metro Presents CicLAvia: The Valley.”

Like any other major city in the world, Angelenos are known to have great pride in their Los Angeles neighborhoods and subcultures. Unlike many of these other cities, however, the sense of community within these areas leaves something to be desired. All day people are isolated in their cars, berating traffic and switching between radio stations. CicLAvia is a one-day five and a half mile bike ride that encourages communities (in this case the East Valley) to come together and explore their surroundings by bike or by foot. The Valley route will highlight some of the gems of the East Valley including the North Hollywood Arts District, Universal City, the historic Campo de Cahuenga, Studio City Farmers Market, and the famed Sportsmen’s Lodge.

CicLAvia began in Bogotá, Colombia, over thirty years ago as a response to the congestion and pollution of city streets. For at least one day, participants were encouraged to look at a new way to travel and explore new things within their own communities. Today, CicLAvia takes place all over North America and Latin America. Restaurants and shops along the route are encouraged to open their doors and connect with the tens of thousands of participants.

A grant from Metro Los Angeles has made this free event possible, and guests should look forward to fun surprises and activities along the route. There will also be completely free drawings throughout the day, with chances to win a new bike, gifts sets, and many other prizes. Parking is limited, but participants can join a number of feeder groups leaving from other Los Angeles areas throughout the day. Trade four wheels for two and fall in love with the city of Los Angeles all over again. Don’t forget to wear a helmet.

“Metro Presents CicLAvia: The Valley,” will be held March 22. The route runs along Lankershim Boulevard between the North Hollywood Metro Red Line stop at Chandler Boulevard and the Universal Studio Red Line stop, and along Ventura Boulevard between Campo de Cahuenga and Coldwater Canyon. Participation is free.