First Ciclovia Coming to New Brunswick on October 6th

August 29, 2013 | Community News, Community News and Media, New Brunswick

It’s not every day that more than 55,000 New Brunswick residents are encouraged to walk, skate, run, rollerblade or dance in the streets at the same time.  However, on Sunday, October 6th from 10:00 am-3:00 pm the first New Brunswick Ciclovia will open more than three miles of streets to encourage people of all ages and abilities to be physically active.

The free event is a community collaboration and partnership of the City of New Brunswick, New Brunswick Tomorrow, Johnson & Johnson and Rutgers University. The New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-New Brunswick is also among the many partners that are actively participating in and leading financial support to the event. The goal is to promote active living for the entire community through open and car-free streets.

Translated from Spanish to English as “bike way,” a Ciclovia can be described as a designated bike route or an event that opens the streets for use by pedestrians and cyclists.  Originated in Bogota, Colombia in 1976, Ciclovia aims to enhance community engagement and expand the concept of public spaces that are free of vehicles.  The concept has spread throughout the world, as well as in cities in the United States such as Los Angeles, New York and Denver-drawing thousands of participants.

“We are excited to have a cross-section of volunteers from across the New Brunswick community who are committed and have been working hard over the past year to ensure the event is a success,” stated Jeffrey Vega, president of New Brunswick Tomorrow and co-director of the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-New Brunswick. “We are encouraging our community members to embrace active living and increase overall health and wellness on an ongoing basis, as well as promote social interaction and engagement to build community.”

The New Brunswick Ciclovia route was designed for participants to enjoy the downtown area, as well as many of the city’s attractions, landmarks and parks. The route will include three anchors including: Buccleuch Park, Joyce Kilmer Park and the Hub Teen Center on Joyce Kilmer Avenue. As part of the event, community groups, organizations and local businesses will offer activities such as dance and fitness classes.

For more information, please visit the Ciclovia website.

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