What are "Open Streets"?
"Open Streets" events temporarily restrict automobile traffic to "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, regular event CicLAvia was hosted in October 2010 -- Open Streets events have grown tremendously in popularity across the United States in recent years, with hundreds of Cities participating with their own events every year.
Open Streets in the SGV
In February 2013, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) launched an "Open Streets" Program, initially setting aside $2 million in competitive funding for cities in LA County to host Open Streets events. The program's goals were to encourage sustainable transportation modes (biking, walking, and transit), provide an opportunity to experience transit for the first time, and, most importantly, foster strong community engagement.
ActiveSGV organizers, recognizing the crucial role of the community, reached out to city staff, decision-makers, and stakeholders in over a dozen SGV cities. Their participation, along with that of neighboring communities, was instrumental in developing competitive, multi-jurisdictional proposals when the application became officially available. This collaborative process led to two SGV-based event proposals being submitted to Metro and, subsequently, awarded funding, including the historic, 8-community, 18.5-mile 626 Golden Streets ciclovia successfully staged on Sunday, March 5, 2017.
Since then, the ActiveSGV team has not only successfully staged six more 626 Golden Streets events—Mission-to-Mission (2019, 2022, 2024), SGV Streets and Treats (2019), Heart-of-the-Foothills (2023), and the 20th-anniversary re-staging of ArroyoFest in 2023, but also witnessed a significant growth in community participation and sponsorships. This success story is a testament to the event's popularity and impact in the San Gabriel Valley.
In 2024, the 626 Golden Streets event underwent a transformation and was reborn as 'Active Streets.' This exciting change, kicking off with a return of the beloved Mission-to-Mission event, aligned with updates in the Metro rail system, where the 'Gold' Line transitioned to the 'L' and then to the 'A' line. The new name reflects the evolving communities and continues to celebrate open streets in the San Gabriel Valley.
Active Streets events are also a vibrant celebration of diverse artistic performances from all ages and backgrounds. Active Streets events offer performers of all ages a unique stage, allowing them to showcase their talents to large, diverse crowds. Attendees can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of live music spanning genres such as Latin, Rock, R&B, Swing, Bluegrass, Jazz, and Folk, and enjoy performances from high school bands. Cultural celebrations are a significant aspect of Active Streets, having featured the rhythmic beats of Taiko drumming, the grace of Lion Dancing, the energy of Folklorico Dance, and the ancient traditions of Aztec Dance.
Check out the Active Streets website (ActiveStreets.org) for more information about ActiveSGV's popular SGV-focused open streets program - Active Streets.
Final Reports
- Active Streets | 2024 | Mission-to-Mission | Final Report
- 626 Golden Streets | 2023 | ArroyoFest | Final Report
- 626 Golden Streets | 2023 | Heart of the Foothills | Final Report
- 626 Golden Streets | 2022 | Mission-to-Mission | Final Report
- 626 Golden Streets | 2019 | SGV Streets-and-Treats | Final Report
- 626 Golden Streets | 2019 | Mission-to-Mission | Final Report
- 626 Golden Streets | 2017 | Final Report
Print Coverage
- Organizers Say 100,000 biked or walked '626 Golden Streets' event from South Pasadena to Azusa (San Gabriel Valley Tribune)
- Thousands Experience San Marino's Huntington Drive By Bicycle, On Food (San Marino Tribune)
- Former Councilman Efren Moreno, on 626 Golden Streets and how Alhambra could become a bike-friendly City (Alhambra Source)
Video/Photos
- 626 Golden Streets Recap (YouTube)
- From Sasquatch to Star Wars: Check Out the Human-Powered, Car-Free Fun at 626 Golden Streets (vimeo)
- 17+ Miles of No Cars: 626 Golden Streets (NBC Los Angeles)
