A few of us BTA staffers participated in a conference call sponsored by Active Living by Design to learn about creating car-free experiences for entire communities. A hugely successful example of this is happening in Bogota, Columbia. From 7:00 am to 2:00 pm each Sunday, a “Ciclovia” is created. This is a designated network of streets that becomes 70 miles of park space, where over 1.5 million people spend time walking, cycling, skating, people-watching, and socializing. It started 20 years ago, and it has become an integral part of life in Bogota.

It is described as a great equalizer, bringing together all kinds of people who might never interact otherwise. People from every social class, age, ability, and culture all enjoy the experiences they have on the Ciclovia. A person with an old, single gear bike can have as much fun as someone with the latest high-tech bike gear. Opportunity for millions of people to exercise is created without spending money on a single health club, gym, pool, or running track. Businesses and other economic development along the Ciclovia are thriving. Traffic at intersections is managed with a combination of police, community organizations, and volunteers. Check out some photos of Bogata's Ciclovia.

What’s even more exciting is that the idea is spreading to other cities. Chicago is in the planning stages for ‘Sunday Parkways’, which is a 7 mile loop connecting several Latino and African American communities. The organizer of this program shared her experiences with us during the conference call and had some great advice for others.

Can it happen here in Portland? According to Gil Penalosa, who is a key player in the establishment of the Ciclovia, it can happen anywhere, in any size city. All it really takes is political will, or in his words, ‘guts’. Very little needs to be invested – no capital improvements other than some signs and some minor operational costs. What the City gets back in return – economic development, community building, and a healthier population – is well worth the investment. What do you say people? Is it time we had our very own Ciclovia?

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