In my dream Altadena bike ride I'd be cruising east, dead in the middle of Altadena Boulevard, looking at the mountain views without the fear that an overzealous commuter is about to pull a sharp left turn and mow me down.

There would be a bunch of other bikes, pedestrians, and the streets would be lined with food and beer carts.

Except for the beer, I got to live that dream two weekends ago at the CiclLAvia event in Los Angeles, where a 7.5 mile stretch of city streets were entirely shut down for car traffic.  There was more than enough space for bikes, scooters, skaters, and pedestrians to cruise at different speeds.

With cars coming through only at occasional intersections, there were few red lights and 7.5 miles went by amazingly quick, even though our pace was relaxed.

There were no foul tailpipe emissions to inhale, no screeching brakes, no horns honking, and no fear of being run over.  For one day, the streets belonged to people, not to vehicles.

And yes, there were tacos, burgers, Korean BBQ, and other great food vendors available along the way.

So if high-traffic Los Angeles can do it, why can't Altadena?

Imagine a city-wide event that stretched from end-to-end where people could cross the city and actually stop and say hello to each other.

The route could wind right down Lake Avenue and onto Mariposa, so travelers could stop off at Lake Avenue to visit local businesses.  It could go right by Christmas Tree Lane,  the library, and the Zane Grey estate.

People living in the East who have never been to Charles White park or over to Hahamongna could have an excuse to visit, and Westerners who haven't seen the splendor of Rubio Canyon could have their chance.

To give it an especially unique Altadena feel, the equestrian community could be invited.  Imagine seeing a stop sign where the line-up to cross the intersection went horse, bike, skateboard, scooter.

Kids who have never had a chance to ride a bike in the streets because of their parents' concerns over traffic would finally have a chance.

There could be an event on each side of town, or in the middle... a farmer's market, musical performance, or outdoor art display.  There are all kinds of possibilities.

Los Angeles may have more resources than Altadena, but we also have the advantage of quieter streets, and minimal through traffic (somehow I don't think people from Sierra Madre are going to bemoan the fact that they can't cross Altadena to get to La Canada Flintridge.)

I believe Altadena needs something like this- an event that gets local residents excited about getting out in the community.

The town is spread out across a steep hillside- the geography makes it hard for people to connect.

I'm biased towards biking, so I may believe it has more value than it really does for everybody else.  But if this isn't what Altadena needs, let's hear another suggestion.

Preferably one that doesn't involve too much car traffic.