Come ride, walk, or roll on Virginia Street through MidTown, without cars. The street will be open exclusively to pedestrians, cyclists, and other active transportation modes in advance of Dancing in the Streets.
This reimagining of Virginia Street is part of an international movement and community event that temporarily closes streets to motorized traffic, opening them exclusively for pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and active recreation known as a Ciclovía (Spanish for “bike path” or “cycleway”). Originating in Bogotá, Colombia, the Ciclovía movement has spread to hundreds of cities worldwide, including Tucson and Los Angeles, and is coming to Reno on July 11th.
The Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance, in partnership with the Nevada Bicycle Coalition, MidTown Reno, and Dancing in the Streets, is encouraging the community to recreate, socialize, and enjoy the many benefits of a Ciclovía on Virginia Street from 9 to 11 am. The street will remain open to pedestrians, cyclists, and other active transportation modes until the start of Dancing in the Streets at 4 pm, but those looking for the Ciclovía experience are highly encouraged to join us from 9 – 11 am, as the street will become increasingly busy as the start of Dancing in the Streets approaches.
Plus, once Dancing in the Street starts, the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance will be operating a FREE bicycle valet service for the duration of Dancing in the Streets!
For everyone’s safety, please do not ride on South Virginia Street through MidTown during Dancing in the Streets.
The Ciclovía movement, which began in Bogotá in the 1970s, temporarily closes streets to motor vehicles so people can walk, bike, skate, run, and gather in public space. These "open streets" initiatives promote healthy living, sustainable transportation, and community engagement.
Bogotá's weekly program now closes approximately 75 miles of streets and attracts more than 1.5 million participants every Sunday. More than 400 cities around the world have adopted similar programs inspired by Bogotá's model.
Ciclovías and their benefits are famous in cities around the world as communities open streets for people to have fun, socialize, stay healthy, and enjoy the freedom of a car-free public space!
Some of the strongest evidence in support of Ciclovías is their ability to get large numbers of people moving.
A study of Los Angeles’ CicLAvia found that a single event attracted between 37,700 and 53,950 participants and generated an estimated 176,500 to 263,000 MET-hours of physical activity. Participants spent roughly three hours being active during the event. Importantly, 45% of participants reported that they would otherwise have been sedentary that day.
A 2023 health impact assessment covering Open Streets programs in 15 Latin American cities concluded that the physical activity generated by these programs helps prevent premature deaths and reduces the incidence of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and dementia.
One of the less tangible but frequently reported benefits is social cohesion.
When streets are free of cars, they become public gathering spaces. Studies of Open Streets programs found that they help residents interact with neighbors, create a stronger sense of community, and make people feel more connected to their city.
Observers of Bogotá’s program note that it creates a rare shared public space where residents from different income levels and neighborhoods mix, helping foster civic identity and belonging.
Many businesses initially worry that removing cars will reduce sales, but evidence suggests the opposite.
Research and city reports from multiple Open Streets programs have found that pedestrian-oriented streets can increase foot traffic, encourage people to linger longer, and support local retail and restaurants. New York City analyses have found lower storefront vacancy rates and stronger business activity along Open Streets corridors.
San Diego researchers also concluded that local business involvement was a key factor in making Ciclovía programs sustainable and successful.
By removing vehicle traffic for several hours, Ciclovías reduce local pollution and noise.
Data from Los Angeles Open Streets events showed particulate pollution (PM2.5) dropping substantially along event routes, with measurable reductions even in surrounding neighborhoods.
While a single event will not solve air quality issues, recurring programs help residents experience what lower-traffic, lower-pollution streets can feel like.