Síclovía returns to Broadway this spring, shutting down the street from McCullough to Mahncke Park to encourage San Antonians to get outside and get some exercise.
In its 23rd year, the free event hosted by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. Participants can walk, run, bike or skateboard the 2.2-mile route and stop for activities along the way.
Back on Broadway for the first time since 2019, the event inspired by La Ciclovía de Bogotá will activate spaces called Reclovia sites at Mahncke Park, Lions Field, Maverick Park, River North, and the KLRN studios parking lot. Attendees can participate in health and wellness activities, enter giveaways and shop local vendors.
Shannon Gowen, vice president of marketing and communications at the Y, said event organizers are excited to return to Broadway after detours in other parts of the downtown area.
Activations include activities at KLRN studios to mark the Y’s 150th anniversary. Guests can step into a storytelling booth and share stories of how the Y has impacted them.
The City of San Antonio’s Metro Health team will also be offering measles vaccines at no cost.
The event will bring out many local groups like Roll Out SA, Move Club San Antonio and Earn-A-Bike San Antonio.
Roll Out SA founder Mara Saldivar and her friends have been skating in Síclovía since before the group was formed in October of last year.
“Every year that we participated, I’ve always thought it was beautiful that you see all kinds of people out there, you know, from running to being on their bicycles, and skaters,” said Saldivar.
The group hopes Síclovía helps them get the word out about the club and spark interest from potential new members.
The same goes for Move Club San Antonio, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting physical activity and mental health. Co-founder Xavier Vara said Síclovía aligns with the group’s mission.
Earn-A-Bike, a nonprofit organization providing cycling education, bike safety, and maintenance to local youth, echoed that sentiment.
“[Síclovía] ties exactly what we’re trying to encourage our participants and families to do, which is take a little more time to maybe explore these other alternative modes of transportation,” said Cristina Ramirez, former executive director and current board member.
The idea behind Síclovía, according to the YMCA website, is to take back the streets from cars and motor vehicles and offer an environment where participants can feel comfortable being active.
“It’s a beloved event that, year after year, the community still gets excited about,” said Gowen. “Whether you’ve been every year since 2011, or this would be your first [time], there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.”
For more information about street closures, vendors, safety and more, visit the YMCA of Greater San Antonio website.
