January Highlights
Many thanks to the businesses, community organizations and neighbors who hosted Cyclovia on this ‘Green at the Core’ midtown route once again this year (remixed).
Touring the Core
While we couldn’t block off the streets this time, Cyclovia Remix brought people together to ride bikes in safer, larger numbers. Riders of all ages got together to explore the Palo Verde + Blenman-Elm Neighborhoods— making use of the smooth new Bicycle Boulevard on Treat Avenue.
Making Connections
Group bike rides draw a lot of attention, and we had fun waving to the many dog-walkers and Sunday morning drivers who slowed down to greet us. Coffee Times provided delicious java and free pastries to riders fueling up beforehand—we we thrilled to have them cheering us on!
Remix riders joined up with local DanceMoveConnect group for their weekly free dance party at Himmel Park. No experience or skills are required to join this all-ages celebration of movement—happening every Sunday at 10am.
Celebrating Art
Cyclovia Remix collaborates with local artists to create a limited-edition sticker specific to each route. For January, Porter McDonald created a sticker drawn from the theme of this month’s route, “Green at the Core.” The design was inspired by places he says create “feelings of beauty and quietude—and they’re just a bike ride away!” Midtown enclaves like the the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Japanese Zen Garden and Watershed Management Group foster green spaces in the center of town.
These verdant stickers were distributed at Remix events—these are the fourth of 6 collectibles that will get you a VIP Access Pass at Cyclovia in Spring 2022!
Sounds of the Route
Every story needs its soundtrack—January’s events were scored with a route soundtrack handcrafted by local DJ and music aficionado Ernesto Vega (AKA DJ E_Rupt) for distilling some of his vast music knowledge into January’s ecclectic mix for cruising the route.
Cyclovia wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of so many supporting organizations, partners and volunteers. We’re so grateful for each of their unique contributions!
While we met up together on during the month of January, neighbors, businesses, and community organizations contribute to the area’s resilience, creativity, culture, and social fabric all year round. Cyclovia seeks to celebrate the good that happens (and can happen) in these public spaces, but acknowledges that many neighborhoods lack the security and support from City infrastructure to have truly open streets. Wider progress happens by connecting with the people who have already created a sense of place, establishing trust and mutual exchange, and building equitable spaces for stories and decisions to be made by those historically left out of decision-making processes for the built-environment.
