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A ciclovia, in Austin?
Imagine temporarily shutting down a city street to motor vehicles and letting cyclists, skaters and runners take over!
Austin officials took the first step toward doing just that, approving a resolution Thursday directing the city manager to work with the community to create a “ciclovia” as part of the 2010 Bike Month activities in May.
“Ciclovia” is a Spanish term that means “bike path.” Ciclovias are especially popular in South America. Every Sunday and holiday since 1976, cities like Bogata, Cali and Medellin block streets to motor vehicles. Bikers, runners and skaters replace cars and trucks, and exercise instructors lead outdoor group aerobics and yoga classes.
The idea is to promote physical activity and health.
In the U.S., ciclovias have taken place in Cleveland, El Paso, Chicago, Portland, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Wayne County, Mich.
Officials haven’t decided where an Austin event might take place. First, they need to round up volunteers and get help from neighborhoods, says Nadia M. Barrera, Bicycle/Pedestrian Project Coordinator.
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
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Comments
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By CO2creator
November 20, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
As a cyclist I ride all the roads and streets I want now. As a runner I don’t want to run on the crappy roads.
By lauren
November 20, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
I love this idea! it would be great if they could close some significant roads and make it a real bike-commute day. i think this idea is only cool if you do it on a big scale…