A network of streets around central Tucson was closed on Sunday to make way for people to bike, walk, run, skate and participate in different types of activities at the seventh annual Cyclovia Tucson event.
Taking place mainly along Fourth Avenue, from Seventh Street to Delano Street, Cyclovia featured four main hubs along the route at which you could stop to participate in activities, buy food or watch various performances. Stopping along Sixth Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Mansfield Park and Keeling Neighborhood, the activities branched beyond these four areas, spreading along the route so that there was always something to do.
Many different groups came out to set up stands alongside the route. According to the official Cyclovia Tucson website, the organizations that hosted activities on the sidelines included Beyond Bread, Recreational Equipment Inc, Carrington College, the UA, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and many more.
The activities put on by these groups included everything from free samples to bounce houses and even a canine kissing booth. Not only were there fun games and performances, but there were also food trucks that sold Sonoran SnoBalls to Haus of Brats and Foodie Fleet.
Kylie Walzak, coordinator of Cyclovia, said there were over 50 free activities hosted along the 2.6-mile route. There was definitely something for everyone.
One of the more innovative events at this Cyclovia was “Cinco for Cyclovia!” For this activity, participants picked up a bingo sheet at one of four information booths and had to visit five specific group activities in order to get a bingo. After finishing this scavenger hunt, participants turned in their completed sheets and were entered to win prizes, which included a new bike or biking accessories.
The last Cyclovia Tucson, which occurred this past April, had a turnout of around 20,000 people. For this event, it was predicted that around 25,000-30,000 people turned out. The higher turnout was because this route winded through multiple neighborhoods “where people are walking and biking for transportation in greater rates,” Walzak said.
Cyclovia Tucson is still relatively new. Its first event was put on in spring 2010 and only had a turnout of 5,000 people. The main reason the first Cyclovia event occurred was to improve the quality of life in the community and to encourage people to be more physically active.
The first group to oversee the event, the Cyclovia Steering Committee, came up with six goals to guide its development over time: enhance the brand and identity of greater Tucson as a progressive urban community; increase the health and activity of Tucson area residents; promote and increase awareness for cycling and walking as a safe mode of travel on public streets; increase neighborhood mobility, livability and access; provide a unique and sociable, fun experience for citizens; and provide a free public event affordable for all.
Over time, the Cyclovia Tucson event has grown in both the number of participants and number of affiliated organizations. Walzak said she expects it to continue to grow in the coming years.
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