FAQ - Active Streets - Open Streets Events Produced by ActiveSGV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are "Open Streets"?

"Open Streets" are temporary street closures for automobile traffic that "open" roads for community members of all ages to walk, bike, dance, play, jog, run, socialize, and more! Although relatively new to Southern California—the first and largest regular event in LA County (CicLAvia) was hosted in October 2010—Open Streets events have grown tremendously in popularity across the United States in recent years, with hundreds of communities participating with their own events every year. To get a better idea of what these events can look like, check out this online video.

When will parking restrictions go into effect?

In each City, "No Parking on the event route" restrictions will go into effect at 12 AM unless otherwise posted. No parking signage should be visible along the route 72 hours before the event. Please be observant of any no-parking signs on or near the event route. Cars parked on the route after no parking restrictions go into effect will be towed.

When will the route close to automobile traffic?

The implementation of street closures will begin at 4am and take several hours to complete.

When will the route reopen to automobile traffic?

Streets should re-open to automobiles 1 hour after the conclusion of the public event.

How can I drive around the event route?

Will there be restrooms along the route?

Yes, a mixture of public restrooms and portable toilets, including at least one ADA-compliant facility at each activity hub, will be available for public use across the route.

What types of vehicles are allowed on the route?

Scooters, strollers, skateboards, wheelchairs, bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, rollerblades, roller skates, penny farthings, and more!

Are electric-assist wheelchairs, bikes, scooters, and other micro-mobility devices allowed at the event?

Yes, street-legal Class I/II electric-assist wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, and similar devices are permissible. However, to ensure a safe and memorable day for all, we ask all event participants (whether on fully human-powered or electric-assisted devices) to ride safely and courteously, yielding to slower-moving persons, children, and other event goers. Please watch out for others - especially small children - so everyone can enjoy the day!

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Participants under the age of 18 who are on wheeled devices (e.g., bikes, skateboards, scooters) or traveling with an adult on a wheeled device are required by CA law to wear a helmet. For everyone's safety, participants are encouraged to wear a helmet if biking, skating, scooting, or using other wheeled devices.

Can I walk, jog, or run the entire route?

Where can I rent a bike, buy a bike, or get a bike fixed?

Need wheels? The GoSGV program will have E-bikes available for test rides. San Gabriel Valley residents may also reserve a GoSGV bike via this form; a limited number of GoSGV e-bikes may also be available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
Some local bike shops also rent and sell bicycles. A partial list can be found below.

Local Bike Shops

Can I bring a tent or table to set up on the route?

Unless part of an official activity hub OR sanctioned by a local business or organization with a physical location along the route, tabling setups or booths are not permitted on the event route. To participate in an official activity hub, groups/vendors must either become an event sponsor, commit to volunteering at the event, or provide a free, fun, and healthy activity approved by the event planning committee. Please contact us for details.
Groups/individuals who would like to set up a table along the route are encouraged to reach out to local businesses for permission to set up on their property.

Are there any items I cannot bring or things I cannot do at the event?

Yes, please note that the following are not permitted due to local law.
Consumption of Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or illegal drugs in the public right-of-way. Alcohol may be consumed on private property at licensed businesses along the event route. Please note that public intoxication is not permitted.
Damaging local property
Allowing animals to be unleashed
Using firecrackers or other explosives
Carrying firearms or other weapons
Littering (including pet waste)
Driving or parking a motor vehicle on the event route

Why is the event on a Sunday?

To date, one of our ciclovías has been staged on a Saturday. However, Sundays are generally selected by participating communities as they are the day of the week with the least amount of vehicle traffic. Sunday event dates are also the industry norm for ciclovías around the country and world, including the original Ciclovía in Bogota, Colombia, which takes place every Sunday (and major holiday) on over 100 miles of local streets!

What are the traffic impacts of the event?

Each event route has a custom Traffic Control Plan designed to protect event participants and limit traffic impacts by allowing vehicles to cross the route at intersections with a higher average of vehicle trips. Active Streets events are also designed to accommodate detours by allowing vehicles to cross the route at key points.

By willingly participating in Active Streets, each participant is deemed to have released from liability and waived any right to sue its organizers, their employees, officers, volunteers and agents from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss suffered as a result of participating in an Active Streets event.
By willingly participating in an Active Streets ciclovía, each participant understands that there are risks, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from a participant’s or other’s actions, inactions, or negligence, or the condition of the location (s) or facility (ies). Nonetheless, participants assume all known and unknown risks of participation in Active Streets.