Ciclovia is an international movement to temporarily close streets to traffic and open them to people for bicycling, walking, running, and a variety of fun and educational activities. Ciclovia started in the city of Bogota, Columbia, where 70-plus miles of streets are opened to people every Sunday. It has now spread to cities across the US and the rest of the world.
In the US, Ciclovia goes by a variety of names. In St. Louis it’s called Open Streets. In Chicago, Sunday Parkways. In New York, Summer Streets. And in Atlanta it’s called Streets Alive.
What happens during a Ciclovia?
The new temporary public space is programmed with a variety of family-friendly activities designed to engage local residents in safe recreation, active transportation, and healthy lifestyles.
Live music, local food vendors, yoga classes, face painting, bicycle skills classes, transit demonstrations, cooking classes, and local history walks are just some of fun and educational activities that can happen at a Ciclovia.
Why is Ciclovia important?
The event gives people safe places and new opportunities for outdoor recreation and community gathering, something that many communities desperately need light of public health crises like obesity and diabetes. Ciclovia also demonstrates the importance of public spaces and built environments that foster healthy lifestyles and activities.
What would it look like in Kansas City?
BikeWalkKC will partner with the City’s Parks and Public Works Departments to bring Ciclovia to a variety of neighborhoods in all parts of the city. We hope to cover each Council District and anticipate using many of the city’s iconic parkways and boulevards. Each event will planned cooperation with local neighborhoods to celebrate the uniqueness of each part of our diverse city. Once Ciclovia is up and running Kansas City, we hope partner with neighboring cities to make it a regional phenomenon.
When will it happen here?
We anticipate holding three events a year in 2012-2013, in May, July, and September of each year. Our goal is to include diverse communities and geographies in the urban core, Northland, Downtown/Midtown, Southtown, etc.
How can I get involved?
Ciclovia can’t be a success without lots of community participation. Neighborhood associations, faith communities, local businesses, community groups, and individuals are all needed to help plan Ciclovias in your neighborhood and/or host events, booths, etc on Ciclovia days.
Contact info@bikewalkkc.org for more information.