For 4 hours on Sunday, a stretch of paved Southtown metropolis streets belonged not to vehicles, however to bicyclists, youngsters on scooters and trikes, roller-skaters, child strollers and joggers. And canines. Lots of cute canines.
They got here out for the 19th Síclovía, a free, twice-annual occasion organized by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
“You don’t usually get to ride your bike out in the streets,” stated Converse resident Elisa Ortega, who made particular home made T-shirts that includes lime inexperienced ninja turtle shells for her husband and two kids on her Cricut machine.
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They met up together with her brother, Albert Duron, his spouse and their two kids, for a enjoyable day using their bicycles. They’ve attended Síclovía collectively for at the least the previous 4 years, or about eight instances.
“This is a safe way for our children to enjoy some time outside with their cousins,” Ortega stated, whereas the group of eight stopped for a fast break collectively.
The family-friendly occasion that quickly turns the streets right into a secure place for train and play has attracted greater than 1 million individuals since its inception in October 2011, stated Shannon Gowen, senior director of mission development and communications for the native YMCA.
Theresa Shoultz leads a zumba class throughout Sunday’s bi-annual Siclovia occasion that turns metropolis streets right into a secure place for bicyclists.
Robin Jerstad /Robin Jerstad“It was a great turnout this time,” Gowen stated. “It was the second one we’ve had since having to cancel during the pandemic and it was well-attended. It was a beautiful day.”
Around 25,700 individuals took benefit of the 1.6-mile route that went from Roosevelt Park, alongside South St. Mary’s Street to the H-E-B on South Flores Street, she stated. The afternoon temperature hovered round 80 levels.
There had been loads of spots to cease alongside the means for reside music, meals vehicles, data cubicles with freebies, bike restore tents, Zumba lessons and free COVID-19 vaccines.
“This was our first time,” stated Diana Mireles, a West Side resident who introduced her daughter and three granddaughters (ages 9, 5 and 4) after seeing the occasion publicized on Facebook.
“I wanted to bring them because they love bike-riding and this was safe,” Mireles stated. They often trip their bikes exterior in entrance of her dwelling as a result of it’s in a cul-de-sac or once they go tenting or out on nature trails.
![A man on an electric bike takes pictures along south St. Mary's St. during Sunday's bi-annual Siclovia event that turns city streets into a safe place for bicyclists.](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/24/66/31/22242895/3/1200x0.jpg)
A person on an electrical bike takes footage alongside south St. Mary’s St. throughout Sunday’s bi-annual Siclovia occasion that turns metropolis streets right into a secure place for bicyclists.
Robin Jerstad /Robin JerstadIt was additionally a superb day for sightseeing as some individuals wore enjoyable outfits, protecting head gear and bicycles. There had been brilliant retro-style cruisers, shiny lowriders, rowing bikes and at the least one with an enormous entrance wheel.
Síclovía common Alvin Byas was using one which regarded extra bike than bicycle.
The matte-black electrical cruiser was a $3,000 buy made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that he says is “worth every penny.” It had a black leather-based saddle bag and streamers on the handlebars.
![With her Fiesta hat blowing in the breeze, Leigh Anne Lester and her dog Noli ride along S. St. Mary's St. during Sunday's bi-annual Siclovia event that turns city streets into a safe place for bicyclists.](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/24/66/31/22242890/3/1200x0.jpg)
With her Fiesta hat blowing in the breeze, Leigh Anne Lester and her canine Noli trip alongside S. St. Mary’s St. throughout Sunday’s bi-annual Siclovia occasion that turns metropolis streets right into a secure place for bicyclists.
Robin Jerstad /Robin JerstadThe East Side resident has had greater than 50 bikes in his assortment and sometimes builds them from scratch, promoting customized ones to others. He noticed a couple of on the highway that he had made.
“I’ve come to every event, except for three because of work,” Byas stated.
His daughter, Lillian Byas, 27, stated she often rides an everyday bike, however not too long ago purchased an electrical bike so she may “keep up” together with her dad.
laura.garcia@express-news.internet