Ciclovía

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Ciclovía in Bogotá

Ciclovía (/ˌsiːklɵˈviː.ə/, Spanish: [θikloˈβi.a]), also ciclovia, cyclovia (or also open streets in English-speaking countries[1]), is a term which translates from Spanish into English as "bike path" is either a permanently designated bicycle route or the closing of city streets to automobiles for the enjoyment of cyclists and public alike.[2]

Contents

Origins in Colombia[edit]

Each Sunday and on holidays from 7 am until 2 pm certain main streets of Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, and other municipalities are blocked off to cars for the exclusive use of runners, skaters, and bicyclists. At the same time, stages are set up in city parks. Aerobics instructors, yoga teachers and musicians lead people through various performances. Bogotá's weekly ciclovías are used by approximately 2 million people (30% of citizens) on over 120 km of car-free streets.[3]

In Bogota, permanently designated bikeways are also known as ciclorutas, while streets temporarily closed for that purpose are called ciclovías.

Ciclovías is a proposal coined in Colombia but the inspiration is credited to the city of Bogotá.[3] The events have taken place since 1976 when they started through the efforts of organizer Jaime Ortiz and others. Some credit Bogotá Mayor Hernando Duran Dussan with starting Ciclovías in the early 1980s. Mayor Enrique Peñalosa deserves some credit for turning Bogotá into a safer cycling city by taking on the dominance of automobiles in the late 1990s.[citation needed]

In 2007, a Colombian congressman, Rep. José Fernando Castro Caycedo, proposed a law banning Ciclovia, charging that it caused traffic jams. Ciclovia users protested the change, and received support from ex-mayors Peñalosa and Samuel Moreno, as well as several members of the city council and other congressmembers. The proposal was defeated.[4]

Ciclovía in other countries[edit]

Australia[edit]

In Melbourne, the Moreland city council has held two Cyclovia events, on 28 May 2006, and on 13 April 2008. During these events, a 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) section of the busy arterial Sydney Road was pronounced car-free for a period of 6 hours. Bicycles and pedestrians filled the road, and the city's trams also flowed as normal.[5] A smaller (1.5 km long) section of same road is closed off to trams as well as motorised vehicles for the Sydney Road Street Party in the late southern summer each year.

Argentina[edit]

Rosario was the first city in Argentina to hold an official Ciclovia, called Calle Recreativa. Each Sunday and holiday few important avenues of Rosario, are blocked off for the event to become carfree. From 8 am to 1 pm, runners, skaters and bicyclists take over the streets. Rosario's weekly ciclovías are used by approximately 30.000 thousand people on over 13 km of carfree streets.[6]

Belgium[edit]

Brussels hosted its first Cyclovia on August 21, 2011.[7] About 10 km of roads were totally or partially closed, with a course spanning from the Cinquantenaire Park throughout the centre of the city ending at the western boundary of the Small ring (Brussels). Another event is planned for September 11, 2011.The second Belgian Cyclovia will take place on the June 17, 2012.

Brazil[edit]

Walkable city streets are commonly closed on Sunday in major cities, one notable example being Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana, Rio De Janeiro.

Canada[edit]

Halifax held an event called Switch Open Streets on September 9th, 2012 and plans to hold three more over 2013, beginning June 9th, 2013. [1] The first Switch attracted approximately 35,000 people and the event aims to create community ownership so that it may take place on more Sundays every year.[2] In March of 2012, Gil Penalosa visited Halifax.

Winnipeg was the first city in Canada to hold an official Ciclovia, on Sunday, September 13, 2009. The event saw thousands of people crowd Broadway on bikes, skateboards and on foot. The event was such a success that organizers, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, hope to make it an annual event.[8]

Vancouver will hold its first Ciclovias, called Vancouver LiveStreets, on June 26, 2011 and September 11, 2011. The events are a partnership between The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC).[9]

Calgary, Alberta has hosted the Bow River Flow since 2009. Most recently, on August 21, 2011, it saw the opening of two lanes of the Memorial Drive Parkway for thousands of Calgarians to enjoy dozens of participatory activities in a non-consumeristic street festival Bow River Flow. Organizers have proposed larger scale multi-day events for 2012.

Hamilton is holding its seventh Open Sreets event, based on the Ciclovia movement on June 23, 2013. The event is organized by a group of community partners and invites people to walk ride or roll down town through over 2K of James St. N car free.

Ottawa has been the site of Ciclovías-type street closures since 1970. Every Sunday morning during the summer over 50 kilometres of roads in the heart of Ottawa and nearby Gatineau Park are reserved for cyclists, in-line skaters, runners, and pedestrians. This initiative is called the Sunday Bikedays Program.[10]

Ecuador[edit]

The first Ciclopaseo in Quito took place in April 2003 [3] when the path was only 9.5 km and 3,000 people participated. At that point, Ciclopaseos were only held on the last Sunday of every month but the event grew in popularity. In six months the route had grown to 20 km with 25,000 participants.

The Ciclopaseo is a project organized by the local organization Ciclopolis to promote urban cycling, sustainable transportation, and community building in Quito. A route of 30 km running from the North to South of the city is closed to traffic every Sunday from 8 am until 2 pm to give preference to bicyclers and pedestrians. ]

The project was partially inspired by the Ciclopaseo in the neighboring capital of Bogota, Colombia. The mayor of Bogota, Antanas Mockus, rode alongside Quito's mayor, Paco Moncayo, in the second monthly Ciclopaseo of May, 2003. [4] The Ciclopaseo of June was the first themed event that emphasized children, followed by the event "Quito is for Everyone" in June, which featured the winners of the Special Olympics.

The Ciclopaseo began 2005 by doubling its frequency to every fifteen days [5] and in May 2009 became a weekly event and takes place every Sunday. [6]

Mexico[edit]

Mexico City has several circuits, the most important runs 59 kilometers from Polanco to Fierro del Toro; more information at the government's website. Guadalajara also has almost 60 kilometers of ciclovia routes named "Vía RecreActiva" (RecreActive Way) established for use Sundays 08:00 to 14:00.

New Zealand[edit]

The island of Waiheke, located about 17.7 km (about 35 minutes by ferry) from Auckland, has had two ciclovia events, in 2009 and 2010, when groups headed by Cycle Action Waiheke temporarily closed to motor traffic The Esplanade, a gravel road between Blackpool and Surfdale.[11]

Peru[edit]

Lima now has a ciclovia. As one of the first programs undertaken by the administration of the Lima mayor Susana Villaran, the major road Avenida Arequipa is closed to motorized traffic every Sunday from 7am to 1pm, since February 2011.[12]

United States[edit]

Wayne County, Michigan has held ciclovias on the Edward N. Hines Parkway since 1983. Called "Saturday in the Park," six miles (10 km) of the parkway are closed to motorized vehicles between Outer Drive Road and Ann Arbor Trail. These events are held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on every Saturday from May through September.[13] Edward N. Hines was Chief Consul of the League of American Wheelmen (Bicyclists) Michigan Division during the 1890s and one of the most important innovators in road development.[14]

Cambridge, Massachusetts, has also opened Memorial Drive to bicycle / pedestrian traffic (only) on Sundays from April to November since 1976.

Cleveland, Ohio hosted two ciclovia-type events in August 2006 which were attended by approximately 10,000 people. The event was spearheaded by two individuals, Lois Moss and Julia Sutter, and was funded by a grant from the Cleveland Foundation's Civic Innovation Lab. In 2007, Walk+Roll Cleveland coordinated five community street-closing events and in 2008 the Walk+Roll program expanded to Lakewood, Ohio. For 2009, Walk+Roll is being held in two additional Cleveland neighborhoods. The events have been held on Saturdays and on Sundays and are generally in the mid-day rather than very early mornings. Additionally, the Walk+Roll organization has been helping communities all across the U.S. by providing guidance, information and consulting services on how to bring ciclovias to new locations.

Tucson, Arizona held its first cyclovia event on April 18, 2010.[15] It included the closure to motor vehicles of portions of four main bicycle arteries (4th Ave, University/3rd St, Mountain and Seneca), along with a variety of activities along the route.[15]

El Paso, Texas ran a ciclovía each Sunday in May 2007.[16] The program has since been renamed Scenic Sundays (the events occur on Scenic Drive) and runs April through August.[17]

Las Cruces, New Mexico started holding ciclovîas on the last Sunday of each month, starting in March 2008. They were held at the city's Meerscheidt Recreation Center in 2008,[18] and in 2009 moved to Young Park.[19] Activities include biking, walking, dance, Wii, Bungee Run, aerobics, and weight training.[20] The Las Cruces ciclovías are put on by a partnership of the New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico State University's Southern Area Health Education Center, the Cooperative Extension Service from NMSU's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, the City of Las Cruces, Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach, and the Doña Ana County Diabetes Action Coalition.[21][22]

Chicago planned a ciclovia for two Sundays in October, 2008.[23]

Portland, Oregon has run several ciclovia, called "Sunday Parkways", having undertaken their first one on June 22, 2008, three in 2009, and five in 2010.[24]

New York City ran a ciclovia for three August Saturdays each in 2008 and 2009, turning almost seven miles (11 km) of road from 96th st to the Brooklyn Bridge into a car-free route from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.[25]

Miami held its first ciclovia, called Bike Miami, [7] on Sunday, November 9, 2008, as part of the City of Miami's Bicycle Action Plan. The event was created and hosted by the then City Mayor, Manny Diaz, who decided to make it a monthly event. On March 14, 2009, the City of Miami became the first US city to host 5 cyclovias. The monthly event, called Bike Miami Days, is supposed to promote livable streets and community as well as cycling and walking.

Clearwater, Florida hosted Sunday Ciclovía on March 1, 2009, and again on April 26, 2009, after the first event was cancelled due to severe weather. The event was initiated by the city's East Gateway District in downtown to encourage social interaction and community building among diverse population groups. Sunday Ciclovía hours were 8am to 2pm and the route was 2 miles (3.2 km) in length.

San Francisco hosted its first Ciclovia-styled events in 2008. Called "Sunday Streets" the events take place in different areas of the city. See http://sundaystreetssf.com.

Roanoke, Virginia held its first Ciclovia on Saturday, August 1, 2009. The event closed down streets around the central market area of Downtown Roanoke, including sections of the main thoroughfare, Jefferson St.[26] The event was held again in June 2010 with the expansion of closed streets to a square mile in the urban core. The June event received recognition from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) with its 2010 Excellence in Rural Transportation award.[27]

Baltimore hosts regular Ciclovias. The 5th Ciclovia will be held on May 5, 2012, over a 5 km stretch from Roland Park to Druid Hill Park.[28]

Several cities in San Mateo County, California will hold their first ciclovia-style events on Sunday, April 11, 2010. The event is named "Streets Alive San Mateo County"—participating cities will include Belmont, Brisbane, Foster City, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Redwood City, San Mateo, and South San Francisco. See http://streetsalivesmc.org/ for more information.

Durham, North Carolina started their first ciclovia with Bull City Summer Streets on May 23, 2010. Over 1,000 people[29] participated in the four hour physical activity celebration that had a one mile (1.6 km) course around Durham Central Park and Durham Farmers' Market. Photos from the event can be seen here and a video was produced by Jim Haverkamp. Bull City Summer Streets returned to Durham four times in 2011 as Bull City Open Streets. Besides city large events, Bull City Open Streets also became a welcomed featuring event at neighborhood Community Day's/Block Party's in different corners around Durham. The plans for 2012 are as ambitious, aiming at 6 events throughout the year.

Atlanta held its first ciclovia called Atlanta Streets Alive on May 23, 2010. Road closures, totaling just under 2 miles (3.2 km), included Edgewood and Auburn Avenues in Downtown Atlanta. Approximately 6,000 people attended. A second event including a slightly expanded route was held on October 17, 2010.

Spokane, Washington held Summer Parkways on July 11 and August 22, 2010. The events were presented jointly by the City, The Parks and Recreation Department, and the SpokeFest Association. It linked downtown Riverfront Park with Corbin Park, up Howard Street, for a total of 3 miles (4.8 km) of car-free activities.

CicLAvia 2010, Los Angeles

Los Angeles had its first CicLAvia on October 10, 2010. More CicLAvias were held on April 10, 2011, October 9, 2011, April 15, 2012, and October 7, 2012. The last event closed approximately 9 miles of downtown streets and attracted over 100,000 cyclists.

San Antonio has held two such events, the first being Síclovia 2011 on October 2, 2011 with another scheduled for March 2012. The city closed down 4 miles of Broadway street and there will be multiple Reclovia's ( stopping points) along the route.

Fort Worth, Texas held Open Streets Fort Worth on October 23, 2011 on Magnolia, 5th Avenue, and Allen, and on October 30, 2011 on South Main, Broadway, and Jennings.[30]

Austin, Texas hosted its first ciclovia event on May 20, 2012 called "Viva! Streets Austin".[31]

Minneapolis held its first Open Streets [8] event in 2011, with the second in the following year.[32]

Louisville will host its first cycLOUvia event on October 14, 2012. During the event, Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road (US 31E/150) will be closed for 3 miles through The Highlands, with through traffic periodically allowed to cross at three key points.[33]

Lincoln, Nebraska will host its third annual Streets Alive! event Sunday September 29, 2013. This year’s event, put on by Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, will be held in the Near South and Everett neighborhoods between Lincoln High and Everett Elementary School. This is a free event open to all with health related vendors and entertainers along the route. http://www.healthylincoln.org/streetsalive

Honolulu, Hawaii hosted the States first Cyclovia, Hele On Kailua, on August 26, 2012 in Kailua. Honolulu, Hawaii will be hosting it's second Cyclovia, Hele On Kaka’ako on May 12, 2013 (Mothers Day). The event will take over the streets in Kaka`ako and include; 1.5 miles of roadways closed to motorized traffic from Mother Waldron Park to Gateway Park; Bike repair and maintenance stations; Helmet and other prize giveaways; Bicycle education courses; Aerobics and dance classes; BMX demonstrations and bike polo; Skateboarding ramp; Cycle On Runway and bike show; Food, prizes and much more! http://cycloviahawaii.org/

Israel[edit]

Cyclists ride down the deserted Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv on Yom Kippur.

While not an officially organized cycling event, traffic in major roads and cities of Israel stop (except of emergency vehicles) in observance of Yom Kippur. This is taken advantage by cycling enthusiasts of the Hiloni stream and other religions, and roads (except in religious neighborhoods) become riding arenas. Days before Yom Kippur are the height of the year in bicycle stores. At the end or Yom Kippur, every year emergency services report giving treatment to people who combined the customary Fasting with physical activities (and of other reasons).

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ www.cicloviasrecreativas.org Retrieved July 17, 2012
  2. ^ “Boulder Green Streets” “Ciclovías history” - Accessed June 23, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Car-Free Streets, a Colombian Export, Inspire Debate". The New York Times, Javier C. Hernandez, June 24, 2008. 2008-06-24. 
  4. ^ "Representative José Fernando Castro Caycedo dies during debate". Colombia Reports. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-06-15. [dead link]
  5. ^ Lucas, Clay (2008-04-14). "Two wheels rule on Sydney Road". Melbourne: The Age. Retrieved 2008-04-15. 
  6. ^ "Cambiá el aire! Calle Recreativa". 
  7. ^ "Op de fiets door Brussel met Cyclovia!". 
  8. ^ "Take To the Streets Winnipeg first Canadian city to stage Ciclovia". 
  9. ^ "Official Website". 
  10. ^ "National Capital Commission Bicycle Sunday website". 
  11. ^ "Cycle Action Waiheke". Retrieved October 29, 2011. 
  12. ^ "Apertura de la Ciclovía Recreativa de la Av. Arequipa". February 21, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011. 
  13. ^ "Saturday in the Park". Wayne County Parks. Retrieved 2009-07-18. 
  14. ^ Hines, Edward (May 11, 1899). "Edward Hines asks you to join the League". League of American Wheelmen Bulletin. Retrieved October 29, 2011. 
  15. ^ a b "Cyclovia Tuscson". cycloviatuson.org. 
  16. ^ "El Paso Ciclovia: Take the Parks to the Streets". City of El Paso. Retrieved 2008-08-17. 
  17. ^ "Scenic Sundays in El Paso". City of El Paso. Retrieved 2008-08-17. 
  18. ^ "City encourages Las Crucens to get active". Las Cruces Sun-News. 2008-03-27. ISSN 1081-2172. 
  19. ^ "Young Park is Ciclovia’s new home". Healthy U (Las Cruces Sun-News). January 2009. p. 22. 
  20. ^ "Health briefs". Las Cruces Sun-News. 2008-06-24. ISSN 1081-2172. 
  21. ^ Minnick, Chris J. (2008-03-25). "New programs to help families get off the couch". Las Cruces Sun-News. ISSN 1081-2172. 
  22. ^ Minnick, Chris J. "New programs to help families become more physically active". New Mexico Department of Health. Retrieved 2008-08-17. 
  23. ^ Holt, Tim (2008-08-18). "Traffic stoppers: An increasing number of cities are temporarily closing streets to cars and opening them to pedestrians and cyclists. It fosters a greater sense of community.". Christian Science Monitor. ISSN 0882-7729. Retrieved 2008-09-14. 
  24. ^ "Sunday Parkways". Portland Office of Transportation. Retrieved 2008-07-12. 
  25. ^ "Mayor Bloomberg and DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan announce "Summer Streets," a car-free city route for health and recreation" (Press release). New York City Department of Transportation. 2008-06-16. Retrieved 2008-07-15. 
  26. ^ "Ciclovia: Turning Downtown Roanoke into a Public Park This Weekend". The Roanoke Times. Retrieved 2009-08-03. 
  27. ^ "2010 Excellence in Rural Transportation Awards". National Association of Development Organizations. Retrieved 2010-12-16. 
  28. ^ "Roland Park Ciclovia". Roland Park. Retrieved 2012-05-03. 
  29. ^ "Dancing in the Bull City Streets". Durham Herald Sun. Retrieved 2010-05-24. 
  30. ^ "Open Streets – Ciclovia-Style Car-Free Streets Days Coming in October to Fort Worth’s Near Southside". Fort Worthology. Retrieved 2011-10-17. 
  31. ^ "Viva! Streets Austin". 
  32. ^ "Open Streets MPLS". 
  33. ^ "City sponsors first CycLOUvia event" (Press release). Louisville Metro Government. September 21, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2012. 

External links[edit]

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