Your mama may have told you not to play in the streets, but Living Streets Alliance says you can, at least for one day.
We’re talking about Cyclovia, a free, festive event where families can play, walk, bike, skate and partake in activities, on streets that snake through four neighborhoods — Rincon xHeights, Miles, Barrio San Antonio and Sam Hughes. The chosen roads will be closed to traffic Sunday, April 10.
The impetus behind the new route is the future installation of the push-button HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crosswalk beacon) light system at Ninth Street and Campbell Ave.
“Ninth street is a planned bicycle boulevard and the crossing assistance at Campbell is a critical piece of infrastructure to improve safety and connectivity along the Ninth Street corridor,” said Kylie Walzak, program coordinator of Living Streets Alliance. “We wanted to get people excited about the HAWK light improvement and let thousands of people know it will be another crossing opportunity for them.”
Pima County will set up a mini-HAWK light demonstration booth at the intersection of Ninth Street and Campbell Avenue to help get the word out.
“Until you attend Cyclovia, you can’t imagine just how great the event is,” said Jane Evans, a Keeling Neighborhood Cyclovia volunteer. “It is truly a melting pot of humanity. The common thread of the event is to be outside, bike, walk, scooter and have fun.”
The Earth Day Festival, which normally takes place at Reid Park, will take place in Himmel Park the day of Cyclovia. A bike decorating station and a parade that anybody can join will take place at 11 a.m.
The Sam Hughes Neighborhood Garden Tour is also happening that day. Families can check out eight featured residences on the car-free streets.
New activity hubs are planned all along Ninth Street, including live music, refreshments, games, food trucks and interactive displays highlighting the bikeability and walkability of the neighborhood, Walzak said.
Bike obstacle courses, free bike helmets and free Zumba classes will take place in the northern parking lot of Miles Elementary school. Musicians from the school will perform in two separate concerts at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the southern parking lot.
There will be two other activity hubs — at San Antonio Park and the Lost Barrio Shops — featuring live music, giveaways, activities for all ages and some surprises.
“This is easily one of my favorite events of the year,” said Michael Keith, CEO of Downtown Tucson Partnership. “I come away each time with a huge grin on my face. It’s so inclusive it cuts across income lines...Anyone can participate. It celebrates community like very few other events do...It’s a really unique event and it comes from the heart.”
