This isn’t a race or a parade. It’s a free open-streets event that turns miles of roadway into space for people. There’s no start or finish line. You can hop on the route anywhere you like, enjoy the vibe, and leave whenever you’re ready. Expect fun activities, live music, family zones, and a chance to see Culver City, Mar Vista, and Venice from a whole new angle.
What Makes CicLAvia Special?
CicLAvia began as a grassroots idea inspired by Bogotá’s weekly ciclovía. It launched in Los Angeles in 2010. The mission was to rethink transportation, promote healthier living, and strengthen neighborhood ties. Since then, CicLAvia has hosted more than 60 events, covering over 342 miles of L.A. streets and attracting more than 1.8 million people.
This year’s “Culver City Meets Venice” route is a standout. It does more than connect three vibrant neighborhoods. It also highlights recent improvements in pedestrian and bike safety along Venice Boulevard. As Romel Pascual, CicLAvia’s executive director, explains: “You will see and experience, in both Culver City and on Venice Blvd, the bike and pedestrian safety measures that have transformed the area in recent years.”
Why People Love It
CicLAvia is not a race. You can start or finish anywhere along the route. Just show up and enjoy:
- A car-free adventure through your favorite neighborhoods
- A chance to explore local businesses, food vendors, and art installations
- Activities for all ages, from kids’ safety classes to community art and live music
- Pop-up play zones, green spaces, and guided walks
Whether you’re riding a bike or walking with your dog, the vibe is chill, inclusive, and full of good energy.
Explore Four Distinct Hubs
Along the route, there will be four main activity hubs. These serve as rest stops, information centers, and fun-filled gathering spaces. Each hub is a mandatory dismount zone, which means participants must walk their bikes or scooters while moving through. The Arts District Hub will be located on Washington Boulevard just west of McManus Avenue. The Downtown Culver City Hub sits near the historic Culver Hotel on Culver Boulevard. The Mar Vista Hub is on Venice Boulevard just west of Beethoven Street. And the Venice Beach Hub is located at Windward Circle, just steps from the boardwalk.
These hubs offer everything from bike repair and first aid to free water refills and clean restrooms. You’ll also find local art, interactive activities, and family-friendly fun. Free pedicab rides are available from each hub, with information booths nearby to help you navigate. There’s even an extra pit stop on Washington Place east of McLaughlin Avenue with more water, restrooms, and bike help.
Neighborhood Highlights Along the Route
Each neighborhood along the route offers something different. Culver City is known as the Heart of Screenland, with a rich history in the entertainment industry and a lively arts and dining scene. Today, it’s full of theaters, galleries, and buzzing restaurants. Mar Vista is a cozy, family-friendly part of West L.A. with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and local markets that give it a relaxed neighborhood feel. Finally, Venice brings its signature energy! Along Abbot Kinney Boulevard expect something exciting for the whole family. You’ll see colorful murals, Muscle Beach, street performers, trendy shops, and cafes.
What Can You Ride?
CicLAvia is all about people-powered movement. Traditional bicycles, scooters without motors, rollerblades, skateboards, unicycles, and even tricycles are welcome. For participants with disabilities, motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters are fully allowed.
There are special rules for e-bikes. Class 1 pedal-assist bikes that top out around 20 mph are allowed. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes can be used, but only if the rider turns off the motor and pedals manually. Fully motor-powered vehicles like electric scooters, motorcycles, hoverboards, or Segways are not allowed. As a general rule: if your vehicle runs on your own effort, you’re good to go.
Getting There and Getting Around
Organizers recommend walking, biking, or using public transportation to get to CicLAvia. Metro buses and bike share stations are located near most major hubs, making it easy to join the event without a car.
Expect Street Closures
During CicLAvia, many major streets will be closed to cars. The August 17 route connects Culver City, Mar Vista, and Venice. Plan ahead by checking CicLAvia.org for street closures, maps, crossing zones, and detour information.
Keep in mind:
- Street closures may start as early as 1:00 a.m. and last until clean-up is complete.
- Parking restrictions will be enforced. Don’t risk getting towed!
- Bus routes and freeway offramps may be changed or delayed.
- There will be designated crossing points, staffed by traffic control volunteers or officers.
If you’re not attending the event but need to travel in the area, allow for extra time and plan to use freeways or alternate major streets. Public transportation is also a great option if you’re trying to avoid the hassle of driving.
What to Bring and Know
Come prepared for the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking or biking. If you’re under 18 and riding anything with wheels, you’re required to wear a helmet… and it’s a good idea for everyone else, too. Follow the flow of people, pass with care, and stay alert for pets and children. Volunteers and staff along the route will help guide everyone safely across intersections.
Safety First
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and have fun:
- Wear a helmet if you’re under 18 (or even if you’re not it’s smart either way).
- Go with the flow. Keep a steady pace and pass on the left when needed.
- Stay alert for kids, pets, and people moving at different speeds.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. You’ll be on your feet.
- No cars or scooters. Only people-powered movement is allowed, except for mobility devices.
More Than a Fun Day
CicLAvia is more than just a day without cars. It’s a celebration of what happens when we reimagine public space. These events help us explore new transportation options, support small businesses, and build stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Over the past 15 years, CicLAvia has brought people together from all over L.A. County to enjoy their city in a new way.
After Culver City Meets Venice, the season continues with CicLAvia events. These are Historic South Central meets Watts (Sept. 14), Heart of LA (Oct. 12), and Melrose Ave (Nov. 23).
Final Thoughts
CicLAvia: Culver City Meets Venice is a great way to spend your Sunday. Whether you’re walking with your kids, skating with friends, or biking from hub to hub. It’s free, fun, and filled with chances to explore. Come early, stay hydrated, and take your time. You’ll see Los Angeles from a brand-new perspective—and you won’t miss your car one bit.
See you on the streets Sunday, August 17, 2025!