Bringing Ciclovía back to the people of Wellington

Bringing Ciclovía back to the people of Wellington

"Let's do this every Sunday!" was the cry from the thousands of participants in this year's inaugural Ciclovía event on the Miramar Peninsula in February 2014.

Ciclovía-type events are a growing global phenomenon that temporarily close streets to automobile traffic, so that people may use them for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing, and socializing.

Over a hundred cities in the United States are now holding regular Ciclovía events, with the Los Angeles 'CicLAvia' attracting up to 100,000 people. New Zealand has been following the trend, with events held last year in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. More are planned for 2015, including one in Hawkes Bay.

The events contribute to wider goals to revitalize urban areas, encourage more physical activity, promote walking and cycling as a mode of transport and support social connectedness.

"The thing you'll notice when you attend Ciclovía is that everyone is grinning. There's a certain buzz about reclaiming the street. The freedom of using that space to engage with other people and do something fun. There's nothing like it" says organizer of next year's event, Alastair Smith.

In 2015, volunteers are organizing three more Ciclovía events on the Miramar Peninsula, for Feb 8, 16 and March 8. They are calling for support from the public through a Pledge me campaign to help them cover the costs of running the event.

"We received the message loud and clear at this year's event. People loved it, and want to see more of them. We want to make that a reality, but will need their support to get there." Smith says.

The Ciclovía team have set a modest target of $5500, and with some support from Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and local sponsorship, that will allow them to run three successful events.

“For the person who has everything this Christmas, we recommend buying them a small piece of Ciclovía for a guaranteed fantastic time this summer”

You can donate to Ciclovía at www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/2932

ENDS

© Scoop Media