Cyclovia Spring 2025: A Treat for all
Our 22nd Cyclovia Tucson celebrated Treat Ave Bike Boulevard from Broadway Village to La Madera Park. With such mild weather, folks of all ages were able to bike, walk, roll through the neighborhoods of Broadmoor-Broadway Village, Sam Hughes, Blenman-Elm, Country Glenn, and La Madera. Thanks to many sponsors, partners, and volunteers, there were many stories being told throughout the day by the almost 45,000 participants of this community event.
Photo by City of Tucson
Broadway Village Hub
We had a great time bringing this space to life with all the brick-and-mortar shops that joined in to make it a special hub. Session Yoga and Natural Grocers offered up free classes and nutritional snacks. Bisbee Breakfast Club and Sidecar had special food and drink just for Cyclovia. Barrio Bread sold out of 40 dozen bagels! Banner—University Medicine and Banner—University Family Care, provided health information and lemon ice pops to keep folks cool. Transforming Terrain gave captivating presentations on preparing local foods while the DJ from Desert Island Records spun vinyl all day long. Backup Brass Band had a great midday performance while participants enjoyed cold treats from Kona Ice and Bugaloo’s Ice Cream trucks.
Himmel Park Hub
Our central hub at Himmel Park combined the best things about closing down the streets and having Cyclovia go by a local park. Families could enjoy food from Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen under the shade of a park tree and watch others play Pétanque or do an offroad bike skills course hosted by El Grupo. Everyone could gain experience in placing their bike easily and securely on the city bus and talk to many city departments such as Parks and Recreation and Department of Transportaion and Mobility. Also in the park, Transit For All Coalition celebrated 5 years of Fare-Free transit in Tucson!
Bill Mark organized a stage for the mariachi students he teaches at White Elementary school. Los Toritos mariachi performances were a great addition to the route as folks made their way north to Himmel Park.
La Madera Park Hub
At the northern end, participants got to have great treats by Smoothie Revolution and Wiki-licious while watching the tricks and jumps from Genuine BMX. BICAS had their mutant bike obstacle course while ICCU provided a soundtrack and a money funnel activity for kids to enjoy while parents signed up for savings accounts for their children. Monsoon Seed Choir invited everyone to join their oral tradition of song circles. Hello Bicycle and Cafe repaired bikes the whole day, making it possible for more people to ride the route and continue to bike well after the event.
Community Activation Throughout the Route
Blenman-Elm Neighborhood Association not only volunteered their time to help make the event possible but they brought to life the Jackie Kinman Butterfly Garden at Waverly and Treat. Tucson Clean and Beautiful gave those folks who stopped to enjoy the garden information on how the garden was made while a folk band serenaded everyone from the shade for mesquite and palo verde trees. Country Glenn Neighborhood Association invited participants to check out the water harvesting techniques featured at their pocket park on Alturas and Treat. Tucson Ukulele Uprising played nearby with almost 20 players coming together to make a big performance.
Some businesses along the route got into the spirit of Cyclovia. Sunset Glass Gallery at Grant and Treat had live glass blowing, food trucks, and games. As folks made their way out of the Broadway Village hub, they got to experience a sample of Ethiopian food from long-standing locals Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine located on the Sunshine Mile on Broadway.
Volunteer Power
Cyclovia wouldn’t be possible without the many hours of fun and involvement lent to us by over 200 volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to open streets. Here are some things volunteers have said about why they love volunteering with Cyclovia:
I find myself surrounded by happy, friendly people who are genuinely excited to get out and enjoy each other and see neighborhoods they may not have experienced before. -Diane Thompson
I am taking an active part in making our streets safer, livelier, and more enjoyable. -Kevin Woldhagen
Everyone is happy, enjoying the experience of being on a safe street with thousands of other people on a beautiful Sunday in Tucson! -Alan Myklebust
Contributing to a community event that makes everybody happy and runs so smoothly is such a joy! -Dave Parsons
It helps me imagine another world that is more people-centered and less car-centered! -Alison Climes
Photo by Richard Sinks
Looking Forward to New Horizons
We at Living Streets Alliance love how much Tucson comes together as a community on this one Sunday to see how public space can be used differently. By coming together, we can see a glimpse into how our city could be transformed permanently if we work together to raise our voices to challenge old patterns and demand change in decision making that supports safer streets for walking and biking and accessible fare-free transportation that supports all those that live, work, and play in Tucson.
LSA staff, Board and volunteers are so grateful for the community partners on this and every Cyclovia, who continue to teach us about what it means to engage their individual communities and build a broad and joyful movement for better streets for everyone. We are taking learnings from this route’s challenges and working towards improvement of engagement strategies, with a goal of ensuring that everyone near the Cyclovia route knows about the event and feels invited.
We'd love your feedback and involvement in the Open Streets movement in Tucson. Get in touch if you feel inspired to help make the next Cyclovia events even better.
