Topline:
CicLAvia will take over nearly 8 miles of downtown L.A. on Sunday. The “Heart of L.A.” event will be open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Why it matters: More than 1.8 million people have attended CicLAvia since the first event on Oct. 10, 2010, making it the biggest open streets event in the country, according to the nonprofit.
It's hosted 47 CicLAvia events since then, covering more than 280 miles across L.A. County, including in Arleta, Chinatown and Venice. It's the biggest open streets event in the country, according to the nonprofit.
The free events get more people into park spaces and improves air quality by reducing ultra-fine particles by more than 20%.
CicLAvia just celebrated its 13-year anniversary last Tuesday.
The backstory: CicLAvia started as a grassroots initiative in 2008. It was inspired by ciclovía events in Bogotá, Colombia. Every Sunday and public holiday, Bogotá shuts down 75 miles of roads for seven hours. Cars and engines are banned, but walking, skating and cycling are highly encouraged.
What's next: There will be another CicLAvia in South L.A. on Dec. 3. The 6-mile path will be open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Go deeper: ...to learn more about last year's CicLAvia in South L.A.
