Juneteenth CicLAvia South L.A. – Open Thread

10:03 AM PDT on June 20, 2023

CicLAvia on Vermont Avenue in South Los Angeles. Photos by Joe Linton/Streetsblog

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This past Sunday, tens of thousands of Angelenos celebrated a new CicLAvia route through South Los Angeles. The six-mile long route was mostly on Vermont Avenue and also included a short stretch of Century Boulevard. CicLAvia and L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell partnered to celebrate Mitchell's annual Juneteenth festival at and throughout CicLAvia. More co-locating multiple synergistic events like this in the future, please!

Sponsored by Metro, the event included activity hubs at Jesse Owens Park - the Juneteenth celebration hub, also in Westmont, at Vermont/Slauson, and along Exposition Park. The hubs were bustling with activity: live music, dancing, drumming, art (including the Metro art bus), kids activities, games, photo booths, information booths, food trucks, and much more.

As the cool cloudy morning gave way to sunny afternoon skies, the streets filled more and more with people on bike, foot, skate, scooter, and more.

Cyclists enjoying a wide stretch of Vermont Avenue

Near Vermont/Manchester, L.A. City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson celebrated the grand opening of the CD8 Constituent Center with a mini-hub that featured a various activities. Lots of things for kids to enjoy - from a bounce house to face-painting. Plus bike repair, courtesy of the East Side Riders, public input on LADOT projects, freebies, and more.

People of all ages enjoying cycling on Vermont Avenue during CicLAvia

The northern end of the route took participants along the under-construction Lucas Museum in Exposition Park. The museum is currently expected to open in 2025.

People on skates, on foot, in strollers, and on bicycle - move past the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro L.A. Challengers Club at 51st and Vermont

Many cycling clubs proudly displayed their custom rides at CicLAvia - pictured are members of the Lit Riderz

The BiciCrófono sported the four-piece Astral Jubilee band atop its tandem-towed custom trailer

Youth enjoying a car-free Vermont Avenue

Parents walking behind young cyclists on bikes with training wheels

The route crossed the future Rail to Rail walk/bike path under construction along Slauson Avenue

Readers - how was your experience at last Sunday's CicLAvia?

The next CicLAvia event will take place Sunday, August 20, through Koreatown and Hollywood. Also on the open streets horizon is the October 29 626 Golden Streets Arroyo Fest, which will take place on a route that includes the 110 Freeway, aka the Arroyo Parkway, through Northeast L.A. and South Pasadena.