Ciclovia!

Isn't That A Russian Toast?

It looks like Santa Monica is on track to have its first Ciclovia later this year. And though I am all for shutting down the roads to cars, it still leaves me scratching my head. What exactly is the purpose?

The proposed route is a 1.3 mile stretch of Main Street, and will be open to cyclists, joggers, skaters, skate boarders, walkers, baby strollers and perhaps a few surfers who made a wrong turn at the pier. From what I understand, there will also be activities going on in the street. Not exactly conditions conducive to cycling.

It sounds like it might be fun, but not safe to be riding your bike through. I am guessing that the bike lanes that are normally on Main Street will be inaccessible, so anybody trying to get anyplace on this day would be wise to circumnavigate the area.

To me, it sounds basically like a farmer's market without all those pesky vegetables.

Perhaps I am missing something, since many cyclists seem to be pushing for this event.

It might be a nice way to meet like-minded folks, but as for actual riding, I don't think so.

I suspect quite a number of people won't even ride to the event, but instead as usual, carry their bikes on the back of the SUV, fight for a parking space, then walk them to the festivities.

I guess if it was longer and more spread out it might make more sense, like the seven miles of roads they are planning on closing for the L.A. Ciclovia, but closing seven miles of roads in Santa Monica would not be logistically possible. Like most events in Santa Monica it will be heavily attended and Main Street will be too congested to ride on. On the other hand, whether bike riding is possible or not, it would be pleasant to explore some of the businesses on both sides of Main St. without risking being run over by an SUV.

Not to sound like the proverbial grumpy old man (which I happen to be), in fact I will probably be there, I just don't really get what the connection is to cycling besides the name.

We'll see when the time comes, I could be totally misunderstanding the concept, but for now, let's all raise a glass - CICLOVIA!!!