Campus Drive transformed into a vibrant promenade of pedal power and community spirit during the second annual CicloIrvine, a family-friendly festival that drew thousands for an afternoon of live music, street activities and safe, car-free exploration.
From salsa bands to youth ballet performances, two stages pulsed with music and dance, while attendees strolled, rolled and glided down the street – on bikes, scooters, skates and strollers – without a single car in sight. Along the route, families refilled water bottles at hydration stations and even hopped aboard bicycle-powered rickshaws – pulled by cyclists – soaking in the spring air and an opportunity to enjoy Irvine’s roads at a slower pace.
“I just love how fun it is,” says 6-year-old Lucy Hogarth, who came with her parents and held a purple balloon sword. “The bounce houses were my favorite.”
Her father, Fred Hogarth, appreciated the closed streets and the chance to safely bike as a family. “You don’t see this in Irvine every day. It’s really nice they do this.”
Attendees explored local business booths, enjoyed frozen treats during a midday pep rally with UC Irvine’s Peter the Anteater and ran into neighbors unexpectedly – moments that added to the sense of community.
“There’s something special about taking over the streets like this,” says Diana Bellafiore, who brought her daughter to learn how to ride. “It reminds us how connected we feel when we’re out of our cars and actually seeing each other.”
The event also highlighted why Irvine is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the region. The city boasts nearly 300 miles of bike lanes and more than 100 miles of off-street bikeways. These paths connect neighborhoods, parks, shopping centers and office hubs, making it easier than ever for residents to choose two wheels over four.
Family friends Amy Kono and Luis Hernandez arrived at the event on their electric cargo bikes. They use them regularly to carry their children around town – whether it’s getting to school, picking up groceries or heading to summer concerts in the park.
“You can get to almost every park in Irvine on a trail,” says Kono, who lives in Northwood.
As longtime resident David Boshnack puts it: “The city cares about its citizens. Events like this show it and bring us all together.”
