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Some pedaled, some skated and some rolled at CicLAvia

The Derby Dolls enjoying CicLAvia on Sunday.
(Saba Hamedy / Los Angeles Times)
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Most pedaled bikes. Some donned inline skates. One small group rode trikkes — or three-wheeled carving bikes.

Riders stand on the trikkes and pivot left and right, while pushing down on the three-wheeled contraptions to gain momentum.

We have to use our full bodies to propel this bike. It’s a full-body workout,” said Andy Pliska, founder of SoCal Carvers.

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Pliska was among a group of 10 riders who rode together during Sunday’s CicLAvia bike festival, which drew thousands of Angelenos downtown who abandoned their vehicles for the day to explore the city on alternate modes of transportation.

Members of Pliska’s group snaked around each other as they swiveled their way down Broadway. “We’ve all thrown our two-wheeled bicycles in the trash,” Pliska said, laughing.

Not everyone likes to swivel. Some, like the Los Angeles Derby Dolls, prefer to roll.

The group of 12 women said CicLAvia gives them the chance to do what they love: skate on the streets.

“We want to get out in the community and let people know that we’re here,” said member, Brittney Berna, 25.

CicLAvia organizers said more than 100,000 people were expected to participate in the event, which runs until 4 p.m.

Los Angeles held its first CicLAvia in October 2010. The festival was an immediate hit with Angelenos who enjoyed the opportunity to travel urban roads without worrying about cars.

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The idea of booting cars off the roads for pedestrians and cyclists was borrowed from Colombia, which began its weekly Ciclovía more than 30 years ago. The event is intended to promote health and community, while raising awareness about pollution and alternate modes of transportation.

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alicia.banks@latimes.com

saba.hamedy@latimes.com

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