A Richmond councilmember is proposing to hold an event this summer that would temporarily ban cars in order to open up the street for walking, biking and community activities, similar to Sunday Streets in San Francisco.
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez said the idea is inspired by the Ciclovia that originated in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1970, where streets close Sundays and holidays for several hours. Such events serve to promote alternative transportation to vehicles.
In Richmond, the Ciclovia would ideally look to close streets that connect neighborhoods or intersect with improvement projects, according to Jimenez. The events could feature community bike rides, fitness/yoga classes, food, crafts and bike repair clinics. Rich City Rides is supportive of the idea and interested in participating.
At its meeting this Tuesday, Jimenez is expected to ask her colleagues on the council to direct staff to work on the design and implementation of the Ciclovia project in Richmond, and to return to the council in early May with the proposed design, budget and implementation plan.
