The “Heart of LA!” event brought riders together for an afternoon of car-free streets in Downton L.A. (photo courtesy of CicLAvia)

CicLAvia celebrated its 15th anniversary with the “Heart of LA!” event on Oct. 12 in Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Thousands of people bicycled and used alternative forms of transportation during the event, which closed streets to cars and motor vehicles along a route connecting Westlake, Downtown L.A., Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Arts District and Boyle Heights. “Heart of LA!” was CicLAvia’s first event in 2010.

The next CicLAvia event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. along Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and Vermont avenues. The route will be closed to motorized vehicles, promoting active transportation and connecting the Fairfax, Larchmont, Melrose Hill and East Hollywood communities. Participation is free. For information, visit ciclavia.org.