CicloSDias V rolls through open streets of Downtown

By SDCNN Staff

On Sunday, Oct. 29, an estimated 10,000 people on bikes, skates, scooters and on foot moved through the streets of Downtown and Barrio Logan as part of the city’s fifth “open street” event.

Otherwise known as CicloSDias, the event is organized by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and is San Diego’s version of the growing movement of open street celebrations that take place all across the U.S. and beyond.

Originating in Bogota, Colombia, these events close off streets to vehicles and encourage people to explore their cities by walking, biking and rolling in order to promote healthy living, community and active transportation. The family-friendly event was completely free and businesses along the route were full of patrons all day long.

“It was amazing to see so many people come Downtown and enjoy themselves without having to worry about car traffic,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the Bike Coalition. “Great music and activities all along the route and the connection between all of the communities along the three-mile route was amazing.

“We are so grateful to our partners who helped make this event happen including the Downtown Partnership, Civic San Diego, East Village Association, Barrio Logan Association, Gaslamp Quarter Association and the Little Italy Association.”

With the success of this most recent event, it is the Bike Coalition’s goal to make these happen more often in more communities throughout San Diego.

The Bike Coalition sees this event as a key strategy for the city’s implementation of their Bicycle Master Plan, as well as the Climate Action Plan adopted last year.

A big part of CicloSDias was the opportunity to demonstrate what the future elements of the forthcoming Downtown Mobility Plan may look like.

“Pop up” cycleways were set up to show bicyclists how it feels to ride through a bike lane that is physically separated from traffic by planters, bollards or parked cars. Additionally, a pedestrian “greenway” demonstration was also set up along 14th Street, where people could relax and enjoy open space in the middle of the street.