A family traverses Main St. Alhambra on bike and scooter between San Gabriel and Alhambra (Photo – Bryan Zaragoza)
After cutting funding for its popular Open Streets Program two years ago, Metro staff is now recommending that events only be held during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics. This would mean no open streets events for nearly three years, from January 2026 to December 2028.
By Wesley Reutimann
Open streets events have become a beloved, free, family-friendly activity in Los Angeles County. Local programs like cicLAvia, Beach Streets (Long Beach), COAST (Santa Monica), and Active Streets (San Gabriel Valley) have introduced millions to the region’s expanding transit system. Over the past decade, these events have shown us what a safer, cleaner, and more connected region could look like.
So why redirect all the funding to two mega-events that many Angelenos can’t afford to attend? Why insist that all events take place during the hottest months of summer, when attendance is likely to be lower and participants are at greater risk of heat illness?
Cities around the world manage to host open streets events every week, not just for special occasions. Los Angeles County should do the same. As the region invests in better bike lanes, safer streets, and expanded transit, we need consistent opportunities to celebrate and support their use.
LA leaders chose to host the World Cup and Olympics, emphasizing the positive legacy each event would bring to the region. Pausing one of Metro’s most popular programs is not progress. It would be a step backward for public health and community building. A final decision is expected from the Metro Board of Directors on November 20, 2025.
After more than a decade of joy-filled events, Angelenos deserve better than a three-year timeout.
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