Cyclovia Tucson will return on Sunday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the city’s streets in a car-free environment.
The event will take place along Treat Avenue Bike Boulevard, stretching from Broadway Village to La Madera Park, and will feature various entertainment, food trucks and interactive activities.
“This car-free route features three activity hubs where there’s a collection of activities for all ages,” said Prabjit Virdee, Open Streets manager for Living Streets Alliance. “Special to this route are small stops at the Country Glenn Pocket Park and Blenman-Elm’s Jackie Kinman Butterfly Garden.”
Cyclovia Tucson, a biannual event, promotes sustainable transportation and fosters community interaction by transforming public streets into shared spaces for walking, biking and exploration. Virdee noted that the event’s primary goal is to help local neighborhoods experience their streets as vibrant, accessible public spaces.
“By connecting with and keeping the community’s voice in the planning of each event, we make sure they get an event that reflects their unique presence and brings the most people out to enjoy the event,” Virdee said.
Throughout the day, local businesses and community organizations will host interactive games and booths along the route, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Musical performances and DJs will also be featured, enriching the overall experience for participants.
Cyclovia Tucson is free and open to all. Organizers recommend that attendees bike or walk to the event using Tucson’s extensive bike boulevard network. For those traveling from outside the area, Sun Tran will offer free bus rides to the event, and limited street parking will be available near the route.
For first-time attendees, Virdee suggests taking time to enjoy the event at a relaxed pace. “No matter where you are along the route, slow down and take the time to connect with the people and places around you,” Virdee said.
The event has been developed in close collaboration with the neighborhoods of Country Glenn, Blenman-Elm and Broadmoor-Broadway Village, ensuring a community-driven experience. Volunteers play a crucial role in the event’s execution, and those interested in participating still have the opportunity to get involved. “Our volunteers make the event happen. To get involved by volunteering, visit cycloviatucson.org/volunteer. There’s still time,” Virdee said.
Cyclovia Tucson has evolved over the years, adapting its route and expanding its reach. “Cyclovia Tucson is constantly growing from the fact that the route changes every time,” Virdee said.“We learn new lessons, engage new communities and bring in new partners every single time we put on the event. We can only hope to keep making this community event meaningful and personal for every community we bring it to each year.”
With its flat terrain, year-round sunshine and strong cycling culture, Tucson is considered an ideal setting for an event like Cyclovia. The event highlights the benefits of walkable, bike-friendly urban spaces while encouraging community engagement and sustainable transportation.
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