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A Literature Review of Current Events and Trends in Ciclovía Programs across America

For six hours every Sunday, Bogotá, Colombia, closes 70 miles of roads to automobiles, and opens them to bicyclists, walkers, runners, and dancers. An estimated two million of the city’s eight million residents participate each week, reaping health, environmental, social, and economic benefits. It is called Ciclovía, meaning “bicycle path” in Spanish. The popularity and success of Ciclovía programs have, over the past 10 years, inspired cities of various sizes in the U.S. and other countries to begin similar programs. Ciclovía programs seek to combat rising obesity rates and issues of equity caused by the increasing prevalence of auto mobility. It offers free active living opportunities within urban settings, and as there are no barriers to entry, it provides healthy opportunities for residents of all incomes, especially those who cannot join gyms or travel for recreation. Ciclovía programs across the U.S. have a wide array of advocates, ranging from families looking for affordable entertainment in hard economic times, city officials looking to increase programming, those for the reduction of obesity, diabetes, or other health issues, avid cyclists, to many others. Through surveys, interviews, and anecdotal evidence, Ciclovía events are extremely popular amongst both participants and organizers. They provide opportunities for exercise and community development from which city residents would otherwise be excluded from due to financial or safety concerns. In addition to this, there are also emotional and mental health benefits from greater social integration, a stronger sense of belonging and from being able to freely experience and explore ones everyday environment in a different way. The routes chosen for the program tend to highlight the city’s historic district or characteristic neighborhoods, promoting historic preservation and attracting tourists. However, without excessive auto use on that day, cleaner air and happier, healthier residents are the primary outcomes. A key element of the program is that it can be catered to the specific needs and abilities of each community sponsoring it. The length of the route and the programming along it are modified to reflect the character of the city. It can be marketed as an obesity-reduction campaign or a pro-bike and walk event, for example. Though large cities like New York receive wide acclaim for their program, smaller communities, such as Paducah, KY; Lakewood, OH; and Clearwater, FL, have just as much success. Though not a comprehensive guidebook, this study can serve as a resource to cities beginning their planning process. It contains background information and in-depth case studies of small, medium, and large cities.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: CD-ROM; Figures; Maps; Photos; References;
  • Pagination: 12p
  • Monograph Title: Tools of the Trade: 12th National Conference on Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized Communities

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01485113
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Jun 27 2013 9:19AM