Pasadena closes Colorado Blvd for CicLAvia Sunday

Pasadena will close 2.7 miles of Colorado Boulevard and Raymond Avenue to cars Sunday, Nov. 15, for CicLAvia. The free open-streets event turns roads into space for walking, biking and rolling.

It is the first CicLAvia in Pasadena in more than a decade, according to the city's event announcement.

The event runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but road closures stretch longer. The main route closes to vehicles at 7 a.m. and is expected to reopen around 5 p.m., according to the city's announcement and CicLAvia's event guide. Streets near the two activity hubs may close as early as 6 a.m.

Parking is prohibited on the main route and on temporary "Slow Streets" bike connections from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. Towing will be enforced.

The route

The car-free corridor follows Colorado Boulevard from Pasadena Avenue to Allen Avenue and Raymond Avenue from Pacific Alley to East Dayton Street. It passes through Old Pasadena and Playhouse Village. Drivers can cross at six designated intersections along the route.

Two activity hubs, at 145 N. Raymond Ave. and 1778 E. Colorado Blvd., will offer restrooms, drinking-water refills, basic bike repairs, bike parking and first aid. Free pedicab rides will be available first-come, first-served.

The city is also setting up two milelong temporary bike lanes called Slow Streets. One runs along Walnut Street from Raymond Avenue toward Orange Grove Boulevard and continues to Rosemont Avenue near the Rose Bowl. The other runs along Colorado Boulevard from Allen Avenue to San Gabriel Boulevard, connecting toward Lamanda Park. Cars still use those streets, but cones and signs will separate bikes from motor traffic.

What residents on the route should know

Driveways along the main route will be blocked from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adjacent streets remain open for local access, according to CicLAvia.

People who live or work directly on the route may qualify for reimbursement of up to $20 per vehicle for parking costs during the closure, according to CicLAvia's event guide.

Pasadena Transit Routes 10, 20, 33, 40 and 51s will detour from the start of service until about 6 p.m., according to Pasadena Transit. Riders can call dispatch at 626-791-7200 for assistance.

Getting there

Metro's Memorial Park and Del Mar A Line stations are each less than a mile from the route, according to CicLAvia. Participants can enter or leave at any point. There is no starting line or finish line.

Electric scooters and motorized skateboards are not allowed. Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted. Class 2 e-bikes are allowed when the throttle is powered off. Class 3 e-bikes are allowed when pedal-assist is powered off, according to the city's announcement. Mobility devices used by people with disabilities are permitted.

CicLAvia Executive Director Romel Pascual said in the city's Oct. 13 announcement that the event marks Colorado Boulevard's 150th anniversary and Route 66's centennial year.

The event goes on rain or shine. Organizers encourage participants to bring helmets, water and sun protection.

CicLAvia: Pasadena at a glance

When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free, no ticket required
Where: Colorado Blvd. (Pasadena Ave. to Allen Ave.) and Raymond Ave. (Pacific Alley to E. Dayton St.)
Parking ban: 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the route and Slow Streets
Info: (213) 355-8500 or ciclavia.org