By Priscilla Leyva
Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, baby carriages, low-riders and even unicycles were the means of transportation last Sunday in the streets of downtown San Antonio to celebrate this year’s Síclovía.
Síclovía is a free event that turns city streets into a giant, exercise-filled celebration. The streets are closed off to cars but open to those on foot or pedal.
This year’s third Síclovía began at 8 a.m. with a 5k race starting at Alamo Plaza. The proceeds benefit future Síclovía events, according to the event website.
Opening ceremonies began at 10 a.m., also at Alamo Plaza. Speakers of Síclovía sponsors such as H.E.B, YMCA, and the City of San Antonio kicked off the “party” along with a DJ entertaining the crowd with live music.
Síclovía Director Louis Lopez said the event didn’t always rely on sponsorship. The previous, city-paid event was organized through the help of a San Antonio grant. When the city asked YMCA if they wanted to inherit the Síclovía organization, Lopez said they took the offer with the promise that there would be many more events to come in the future.
Lopez said the crowd estimate on Sunday was about 45,000, which was about the same amount of participants as the last two events in October 2011 and March 2012. Event organizers expected at least 50,000 visitors this time around, but “weather probably kept [some] people away,” he said.
Still, Lopez said so many people were calling the YMCA office the day of the event asking how they could get involved. He was very pleased with the turnout and is “looking forward to next year’s event in April.”
The Síclovía route began at Mahncke Park on Broadway Street at Parland Place and ended at Alamo Plaza, where hundreds of diverse individuals participated.
People of all ages attended, including adults, teens, children and infants, who roamed the Síclovía streets.
One man rode his bike in a chicken suit, some girls were in tutus and others even expressed their political affiliation through bike decor. Others exercised in groups, riding low-rider bikes, rollerblades and skateboards.
Throughout the Síclovía route were “reclovías,” areas reserved for physical activities such as zumba classes, rock climbing and ping-pong. These physical activities kept the crowd alive — everyone was on their toes doing something.
BikeTexas supported the Síclovía event by handing out a 110,000 safety lights to cyclists.
Program manager Fernando Martinez says BikeTexas is the only advocate group for cyclists and pedestrians in Texas, creating the biggest safe routes throughout school zones.
Participants were also given free healthy snacks along the Síclovía route.
Earth’s Own Natural Ingredients (EONI), a company manufactured by Hill Country Bakery of San Antonio, promoted its new brand of healthy snacks.
Levi Hernandez of EONI said the company collaborated with athletes in order to produce the low calorie coffee cakes and granola bars. “To redefine the taste of health” is the company’s main goal, Hernandez said.
Humans weren’t the only ones who could benefit from snacks along the Síclovía route. Síclovía was a pet-friendly environment and Camp Bow Wow of San Antonio was there to provide a rest area for dogs to eat and rehydrate.
Justin Anderson, an employee of the doggie daycare said they “want to make sure these dogs are healthy… make sure the dogs have water.”
Located next to the YMCA-funded skate park at Síclovía was a temporary bike shop. Those who got a flat tire or a loose chain on their bike didn’t have to end the party early; S.A. Cycles Bicycle Shop provided free emergency repairs for participants.
Owner Jessica Gonzales said she supports Mayor Julián Castro’s movement for healthier lifestyles in San Antonio and is more than happy to do this for the community.
H-E-B showed its support on Sunday as well, providing the community with water bottles, snacks and sweat towels.
Representatives of the nonprofit organization It’s Time Texas asked participants to fill out an “It’s Time” card, asking individuals what they think it’s time for — a change, a bike ride, a healthier lifestyle.
Angel Toscano of It’s Time Texas said every card earns San Antonio a point in an online city versus city challenge that aims to make Texas a healthier state.
Events such as Síclovía are designed to help challenge Texas cities such as San Antonio to live a healthier lifestyle.
Ernest Ramirez, 34, was a first-time Síclovía participant and said he’s glad he came out to get active rather than “staying home and watching TV.” He plans to bring his children to next year’s Síclovía experience on April 7, 2013.
