The Venice Cheerleaders were trying to raise funds in front of the high school, which was along the route that traveled down Venice Boulevard.
The third CicLAvia street festival of 2025, titled “Culver City Meets Venice” was held today, August 17. Thousands of bicyclists of all ages, skateboarders and walkers thronged the 6.75 mile route that connected Venice with Culver City.
The event is organized through CicLAvia a nonprofit that “Catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation and good health through car-free streets.” Their partners include Metro, the City of Los Angeles, LADOT and individual donors.
As one rides down the wide streets, Venice and Washington Boulevards, there are five activity hubs along the route. That simply means everyone is required to dismount the bike and walk through the areas that have pop-up booths that features politicians, DWP, Metro, Library (county and city), First Aid and bike repair, popups.
The editor hopped on Venice and Abbot Kinney and instantly noticed the bad shape of the road—easy to notice if you’re trying to dodge pavement problems. Luckily, Councilmember Traci Park had a booth at one of the activity hubs. The field deputy onsite said they were aware of that stretch and were trying to get repairs.
Thousands took the opportunity to ride on the streets today during CicLAvia.
Members of White People 4 Black Lives, several accident attorneys and even the Venice High School Cheerleaders were along the route handing out free water.
In the entire stretch, there were eight stops at major intersections, such as Inglewood, Sawtelle and Sepulveda, which allowed north/south car traffic while cyclists waited for volunteers to wave them across the intersection. There was something fascinating about cycling under the 405.
On many street corners there were Los Angele and Culver City police. Some police and members of the Fire Department were riding along the route, too.
And yes, there were at least two stops that had porta-potties and water.
In downtown Culver City, people working the Metro Booth were trying to alert people to the proposed Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project and asked if this editor knew about it. The project is described as “a high-capacity rail line connecting the San Fernando Valley to Westside and eventually LAX — relieving congestion.”
This editor asked “how many people that actually use the 405 were contacted about taking this alternative form or transportation?” There were assurances that there had been extensive public outreach click here. Look for a follow up story about this project.
Two more CicLAvias are scheduled this year, one on September 14 “Historic South Central Meets Watts” and October 12, “Heart of LA,” which goes from MacArthur Park to Chinatown, Little Tokyo and the Mariachis Plaza Hub.
The August 16 CicLAvia started or ended at Venice, depending on where one started.