The Broadway corridor will become car-less on Saturday, March 19 for the Beach Streets Downtown open-street event from Pine Avenue to Euclid Avenue.
The event is expected to feature thousands of people walking, bicycling and socializing on vehicle-free streets.
“Open Street events like Beach Streets are one of the best ways to experience Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We will have entertainment for the entire fami- ly throughout the event, including music, demonstrations, food and all kinds of activities.”
The four-mile route includes several hubs of activity and extensions of car-free streets, including: Pine Avenue from 1st to 8th Streets downtown; Linden Avenue from 1st to 3rd Streets in the East Village; Cherry Avenue from 2nd to 4th Streets including Bixby Park; 4th Street from Cherry Avenue to Junipero Avenue in Retro Row; and a block party at Broadway and Euclid Avenue.
“Our community is well known for its focus on mobility options and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and I’m delighted to showcase that with an exceptionally innovative event like Beach Streets Downtown to highlight everything Long Beach has to offer,” said Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal.
Bixby Park will host a festival with two stages, live music, and a kids zone as well as many City departments participating with healthy, active-living activities, booths and information for families, including the Health Department, Fire, Police, Library, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Airport, Port, Public Works and more.
“I’m thrilled Beach Streets will be making its way downtown,” said 1st District Councilmember Lena Gonzalez. “Biking advocates for years have been waiting for this moment, and I am proud that the City is partnering with local organizations to further enrich our neighborhoods with this unique experience.”
Several intersections for vehicles to cross Pine Avenue and Broadway will be maintained along the route, however, the entire route and the extended streets will be closed to vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and anything with a motor.
Exceptions will be made for officially marked transportation for those with disabilities.
“This is a great opportunity to slow down a bit and explore local businesses and restaurants on foot or bicycle and see everything your neighborhood has to offer,” said 3rd District Councilmember Suzie Price. “You might be surprised at the new gems you discover.”
Additionally, the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) will activate various locations throughout downtown.
An estimated 25,000 people participated in the similar Beach Streets Uptown event along Atlantic Avenue in June 2015, according to city officials.
Acceptable modes of transportation along the route include: bicycles, skates, rollerblades, skateboards and walking. The only motorized vehicles allowed must be officially marked means of transportation for those with disabilities.
Funding for Beach Streets Downtown is provided by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, grant funding from Los Angeles County, and other local and City sources.
For more information, including updates, entertainment, maps and parking information, visit beachstreets.com or facebook.com/ BeachStreets .
