Celebrate 15 Years of CicLAvia in the Heart of LA!

On Sunday, October 12, the streets of Los Angeles will transform into a car-free playground for CicLAvia’s “Heart of LA” marking an extra special 15th anniversary event! This is the route that started it all: seven miles connecting neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights, Echo Park, and Downtown, offering a truly unique way to experience the historic core of Los Angeles.

CicLAvia allows Angelenos and visitors to rediscover the places and people that make Los Angeles great. With no cars in the way, you can slow down, enjoy the sights, and experience how vibrant and connected these neighborhoods truly are. Small businesses experience a boom of new customers and community organizations come out in force to connect and engage with people to strengthen our neighborhoods. Most of all, CicLAvia events are about people enjoying the places and activities that bring life to a city.

So mark your calendar and join us for this milestone celebration. Whether you roll, stroll, or skate, CicLAvia is about being together and enjoying the Heart of LA as one big community!

Latino Heritage Month Employee Spotlight

Each week during Latino Heritage Month, LADOT will spotlight staff members with Hispanic roots. Each has a unique story to tell and plays an integral part in the operations of LADOT to keep our City moving.

Carlos Rios

Carlos Rios serves as Principal Transportation Engineer overseeing the Bureau of Capital Projects at LADOT.

Carlos is proud to have been raised in the Peruvian culture, with its emphasis on family and family traditions. Carlos’s father immigrated to the US from Usquil, Peru at the age of 18 in search of more opportunities. He fondly remembers his journey with nothing but a $20 bill in his pocket, very little English knowledge, dreams of getting an education and building a life here, Carlos shares. Although my dad never realized his dreams of a college education, he sacrificed and realized his dream through his three children.

Throughout Carlos’s career at LADOT, he has learned the nuances of project and grant management. Over the past several years, his team has built a portfolio of over $300 million in capital grant funded projects to address the City’s safety needs. I am proud of the progress we have made in project delivery, despite the financial challenges we have experienced over the past few years, says Carlos.

For anyone interested in Peruvian culture in Los Angeles, Carlos recommends the end-of-July Peruvian Independence Day celebration at the Peru Village Festival in Hollywood. I welcome you all to attend and you can experience the riches of Peru have to offer, including lively music and dance programs, to the delicious food, says Carlos, adding: Lomo Saltado, anyone?

Monique Serrato

Captain Monique Serrato oversees the Valley Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control division where her responsibilities include managing the communications department and the Vehicle Impound Processing Unit (VIPU).

Monique’s family has deep roots in Los Angeles, with both her parents and grandparents being born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. I view this long history as a strong and foundational element of my own life and career within this city, Monique shares. She is proud to have many family members who are also City employees, contributing to the community’s well-being.

While she is most proud of the work her division does to ensure efficient operations and public safety across the region, Monique also takes satisfaction in the positive work environment she and her staff have cultivated for Valley traffic officers. It's important to me that our team feels valued and empowered, she says.

When asked what she loves most about Los Angeles, Monique cites the region’s diversity in scenery and activities, from beaches to mountains and from great food to the unparalleled music scene. There's an adventure to be found everywhere.

Celebrate CicLAvia's 15th Birthday at CicLAvia: Heart of LA on 10/12

Be a part of CicLAvia’s 15th birthday celebration at CicLAvia: Heart of LA! On Sunday, October 12, from 9am-4pm, over seven miles of streets will be closed to cars and open for a day of biking, walking, and exploring. Heart of LA was the first ever CicLAvia route fifteen years ago, connecting the neighborhoods of Westlake, DTLA, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Arts District, and Boyle Heights. This free, family-friendly event has something for everyone, including music, food trucks, games, giveaways, and more. View the route map and learn more.

Share Your Feedback on the Hobart Schools Quick Build Project

Over the summer, Serrano Avenue between Olympic and San Marino in Koreatown was selected for a temporary safety project to improve traffic and pedestrian conditions near Hobart Elementary School and Hobart Early Education Center. Serrano was temporarily converted into a one-way northbound street with new quick-build safety treatments designed to calm vehicle speeds and improve the flow of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times at both schools.

Have you had the chance to experience the new street? We want to hear your thoughts! Please take Hobart school project survey and share your feedback on what is working well and what can be improved.

Job Opportunity: LADOT Ambassador Program

LADOT is looking for Ambassadors in the SF Valley and Central LA to support LADOT’s local projects. This is a paid, part-time role ($30/hour) for trusted community leaders who want to build skills and lead outreach. Ambassadors commit about ten hours a week over six months, starting with a month-long training on storytelling, transportation equity, and community engagement strategies.

After training, you’ll put your skills into action by attending community events, sharing LADOT project information, and gathering feedback from residents. Flexible schedule, transportation support, and materials provided.

Apply now and help shape the future of your community. Bilingual ambassadors are especially encouraged to apply.

Take Our Community Surveys

LADOT wants to hear from you! Share your feedback to help us prioritize safety and mobility improvements in your community.

Survey for Koreatown Pico Union Neighborhood Connect Community

Koreatown Pico-Union Neighborhood Connect Community Survey

LADOT is planning safety and mobility improvements between Koreatown and Pico-Union. Take the Pico-Union survey before Wednesday, October 15.

Third Street Bike Lane Concrete Barrier Survey

LADOT is installing new concrete bike lane barriers to replace the existing plastic bollards along 3rd Street between Main and Spring. Share your feedback before Friday, October 31.

Caltrans U.S. 101 Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Online Survey

Caltrans plans to enhance pedestrian access across U.S. 101 and is seeking input from the community regarding the pedestrian bridge at Amestoy Avenue. This survey is intended to gather preliminary feedback. Take the Amestoy Avenue survey.