Saturday, August 10, 2013

Sunday Funday with CicloSDias!

I am totally excited about Sunday's CicloSDias. After riding around on University after Pride with no cars, a day dedicated to Open Streets is just what this city needs. This was one of Mayor Bob Filner's initiatives earlier this year, and it is a shame with everything going on that he probably won't be around to see it come to life, but I encourage everyone to take part...whether you bike, walk, skate, or scoot, a day without cars is a good thing for everyone and might bring us one step closer to complete streets when people realize the benefits of riding a bike every once in a while. The event is free and family friendly, with the route blocked to cars from 10am-4pm.
"Ciclo­vía," which translates to English as "bike path" was coined in Bogota, Columbia, a city that began experimenting with its model Ciclovia initiative in 1974 as a response to the congestion and pollution of city streets. CicloSDias San Diego is modeled after similar car-free events held in cities around the world, including New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. As of 2012, some 80 Open Streets initiatives are held regularly in North America. CicloSDias is all about connecting communities and giving people a break from the stress of car traffic. CicloSDias San Diego will bring families outside of their homes to enjoy car free streets. The message is clear – we all want a clean, healthy and vibrant San Diego.

CicloSDias welcomes everyone in San Diego to walk, ride, stroll and enjoy our streets. Approximately 5.2 miles of city streets will be opened to families, pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, skateboarders, and anyone else interested in using this public space in a new way.

The event will include a “Hub” in 4 different neighborhoods in San Diego – City Heights, Logan Heights, North Park, and South Park. These Hubs will feature CicloSDias merchandise, showcase event sponsors, and host a bicycle repair booth. Event participants are encouraged to check-in at each Hub and receive a free entry into our Bike raffle.

San Diegans will experience a free ‘open street’ event with activities along the route. Shops and restaurants will be open for business and neighbors and friends from all over will make our streets come alive.
Whether or not you're participating in the Open Streets event, it is important to note that along the route, there will be road closures with only periodic traffic crossing. You can read up on all of those fine details here. I'd just suggest you put your car keys away for the day and join the fun. There will be four hubs with toilets, bike repair, refreshments, and information, but anyone can access the route at any intersection along the way of the 5.2 mile stretch. This is your chance to see parts of the city from a whole new perspective...without cars!

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