On Sunday, August 17, 2025, streets that are typically crowded with cars were bustling with bikes, skateboard, roller skates and sneakers. In the slightly more than ten years since the last CicLAvia rolled through (August 9, 2015) enthusiasm for biking in Culver City has increased exponentially. Several thousand folks showed up to enjoy the day, and the ideal summer weather made it a postcard-perfect event.
The CicLAvia route for event number 61 ran from the La Cienega and Washington at the entrance to the Arts District, down to the Pacific Ocean at the end of Venice Boulevard.
It was full day for the city, starting with remarks by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in downtown Culver City as the event began at 9 am. Bass, who was Culver City’s congressional representative for years before winning her mayoral race, proclaimed it as a homecoming.
“I appreciate the opportunity to be here. This, to me, is my second home, having represented Culver City for many years when I was in the State House and in Congress. So, starting the ride here and ending the ride at one of my most favorite places in our city, Venice Beach — this has got to be a wonderful day. And as a member of the Metro Board, very, very supportive of CicLAvia, and thinking about next year, when we have the World Cup and a number of these extremely significant venues that will be opening up like the Lucas Museum and other venues, I want to see this play a prominent role.”
Many of our own elected officials were on hand to celebrate, crowding in for a selfie with the Mayor; Vice Mayor Freddy Puza, Council member Yasmine Imani McMorrin, Bubba Fish, and Village Well Books’ proprietor Jennifer Caspar. Mayor Bass shared a smile with everyone.
The route included four ‘hubs’ – mandatory dismount and walk zones – with plenty of activities and programs along the route. The Arts District Hub was located on Washington Blvd, west of McManus; Downtown Culver City Hub on Culver Blvd near the Culver Hotel; The Mar Vista Hub located on Venice Blvd west of Beethoven; and the Venice Beach Hub located along Windward Circle.
The hubs were there to offer family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refilling stations, free basic bike repair, bike parking, places to sit and meet up with friends and family, and first aid.
Thousands of ‘people-powered’ vehicles rolled the whole way through, with more than a few doubling back to the train station at the end of the day.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo Credit – George Marsh
