The ciclovia takeover
Articles abound on the ciclovia movement ever since Portland and New York pulled off their first (and more) events:
They danced the tango in Portland, Ore., they’re doing the samba in New York, and by the end of this month, they’ll be dancing in the streets of San Francisco. It’s urban planning with a Latin twist, a simple idea imported from South America for transforming the cityscape. Temporary street closures, or ciclovias, are sweeping across the US, as cities take a new look at alternative uses for their streets.
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Some US cities are hoping for similar social benefits. When it launches its first ciclovia Aug. 31, San Francisco is hoping to help connect a currently isolated, low-income neighborhood, the Bayview, with other parts of the city on a six-mile route. Portland’s June 22 event linked an African-American neighborhood with newer, gentrified neighborhoods on the city’s north side.
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“It’s part of a sea change in how we’re viewing city streets,” says Susan King, the coordinator of San Francisco’s event. “A city street becomes an entirely different landscape when you take the cars away. It creates opportunities for people to come out and exercise, meet their neighbors, and learn to appreciate their city in a whole new way.”
This is great stuff. I think we should follow New York’s lead and demand Sunday Streets every Sunday of the year.
Leave comment (2)[p.s. The Forums are open for participation.]
August 26th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Here’s a video to get everyone excited!
http://carfreeusa.blogspot.com/2008/08/come-out-to-play-in-san-francisco.html
August 26th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Thanks, bob - that’s awesome. Will post that proper, soon!