Low rider cyclists enjoying CicLAvia on Western Avenue yesterday. Photos by Joe Linton/Streetsblog
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Yesterday, L.A. County's popular CicLAvia open streets festival arrived at South L.A.'s Western Avenue for the very first time. The free event took place on three miles of Western Avenue between Florence Avenue and Exposition Boulevard. Tens of thousands of Angelenos bicycled, walked, skated, scootered on car-free streets.
L.A. City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson welcomed participants to the event, tying it to his work with the L.A. Department of Transportation (LADOT) to make Western safer for people on foot and on bicycle.
“Western Ave. is our most dangerous thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists. Opening it up so that we can use it safely lays a marker on the future we want to create… we want to change this from one of the most dangerous streets to one of the safest.” @mhdcd8pic.twitter.com/i1IFNxEAt0
One highlight of South L.A. CicLAvias is the participation of the area's many bike clubs cruising on their customized bikes.
Taking the lane in formation.xxx
Joe Ayala, left, is riding a diamond tube JP Bombita designed by Los Ryderz' founder and president Javier "J.P." Partida. He is riding alongside internationally renowned bike builder and welder Art Ramírez (center), who is on one of his own unique creations. Several years ago Ramírez and Partida joined forces to put their customized spin on bike culture while serving disadvantaged youth in the Watts area. See earlier SBLA coverage of how that collaboration was born.xxx
Tyrone "Tmoney" Williams of the South L.A. Real Rydaz is always the center of attention. Though his bikes are constantly evolving, there's no mistaking a T's Kustom creation. Get a closer look at the pink low-rider to his left (also his creation) on his Facebook page.xxx
Cruising with custom chrome.
People for Mobility Justice spread music and good cheer from Baba's Vegan Cafe. The brick-and-mortar establishment, founded by Wo'se Kofi and his partner, Lauren "Anu" Wolley Ross, is the manifestation of years and years Kofi spent pounding the pavement as the vegan Pattyman and catering for events all around the community. The café finally opened its doors at the end of 2021.xxx
It's not all cyclists - rollerblading couple holding hands at CicLAvia on Western Avenue at Slauson.xxx
Metro Bike Share made rental bikes available at CicLAviaMetro Bike Share bikes at a CicLAvia event in 2022. Photo by Joe Linton/Streetsblog
A pair of bananas spotted at CicLAviaxxx
Heavy traffic and high speeds usually conspire to make Western one of L.A.'s more uncomfortable streets to bike on. Not yesterday.xxx
The $166M project was a dozen years in the making. South Central residents and electeds alike hope it is a foundation on which even better things can be built for the community.
