Like a modern pilgrimage on wheels, cyclists from across the city converged on Irvine Boulevard for the third annual CicloIrvine.
The 1.3-mile stretch between Culver Drive and Parkwood was closed to cars, transforming into a vibrant, car-free promenade celebrating community, clean air and active transportation.
Attendees enjoyed food trucks, interactive booths, pedicab rides and live performances on a large stage. Nearby, a BMX freestyle team featuring Olympic hopefuls and X Games medalists wowed the crowd with high-flying stunts.
The thoroughfare was filled with people walking, pushing strollers, riding scooters and pedaling every type of bicycle imaginable – from mountain and e-bikes to tandem cycles and even an old-school penny-farthing with its massive front wheel.
“I think it’s very representative of what our community stands for – in diversity, in respecting the environment and promoting exercise and just promoting family,” says Irvine resident Reza Farokhpay, carrying his 2-year-old daughter, Maya, in a child seat attached to the front of his bike.
The open streets also underscored why Irvine ranks among the region’s most bike-friendly cities. The city features nearly 300 miles of on-street bike lanes and more than 100 miles of off-street bikeways. Because these paths seamlessly link neighborhoods, parks, retail centers and office hubs, it is easier than ever for residents to opt for two wheels over four.
For Marc Johnson, who grew up riding those very trails and now runs an e-bike repair business, the day highlighted this master-planned mobility. Arriving with his young daughters Emma, 3, and Typha, 6, sitting comfortably in the front of his cargo e-bike, he noted the value of the city’s robust infrastructure.
“It brings awareness to the fact that urban mobility is a big part of Irvine,” he says. “We have these villages that are all interconnected by the bikeways. You don’t need to jump in your car.”
The open roads also provided a rare opportunity for Kevin and Caitlinn Tran, who cruised the street on electric longboards.
“I’ve never experienced something like this with a whole mile-long stretch of open road to hang out in,” Kevin Tran says.
Garret Petersen – who attended with his 2-year-old daughter, Lainey, in tow – echoed the sentiment. For him, the event was not just about the ride but the chance to unexpectedly run into friends.
“It’s a super cool vibe,” Petersen says. “It’s crazy to see the amount of people out here on bikes and just enjoying the afternoon.”
