By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – For six hours Sunday, some of Tucson’s busiest streets looked a little different.
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Instead of cars, the roads were filled with bicycles, roller skaters, families and thousands of people enjoying the city without vehicle traffic.
It was all part of Cyclovia Tucson, a twice-a-year event organized by the nonprofit Living Streets Alliance that gives residents an opportunity to explore their community in a different way.
For organizers, the event is about more than simply closing streets to cars. It’s about showing what those streets could look like when people have more space to walk, bike and connect with one another.
“This is really a demonstration of how our streets can look and feel to connect people to each other and also to be able to get around safely regardless of whether you walk, bike or take other modes of transportation,” said Vanessa Cascio, executive director of Living Streets Alliance.
Organizers say Cyclovia typically draws between 40,000 and 50,000 participants, bringing together people of different ages and abilities for a day of outdoor activities.
With vehicle traffic temporarily removed from the route, participants also had an opportunity to explore neighborhoods and businesses they might not otherwise visit.
Albert Elias, vice president of the Living Streets Alliance Board of Directors, said events like Cyclovia can help residents build connections with their community.
“It’s events like this that give us an opportunity to meet each other on a personal basis but also to experience maybe areas of the community that they haven’t been to before,” Elias said.
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And while bicycles are a familiar sight at Cyclovia, organizers and participating groups are also working to make sure people of different disabilities can take part.
Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports was among the organizations participating Sunday, highlighting how adaptive cycling equipment can help people continue enjoying outdoor recreation even when traditional bicycles are no longer an option.
Adam Finney, cycling center coordinator for Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports, said opportunities like Cyclovia are important for making cycling more accessible.
“People can still continue to move, whether they had an accident or something happened in life where they can’t ride a traditional bike anymore,” Finney said. “I think it’s nice just to be seen and out with everyone else on this beautiful day.”
For Living Streets Alliance, the event also serves as a reminder of its broader mission to make Tucson’s roads safer and more accessible throughout the year.
“365 days a year when we’re not doing Cyclovia, we are advocating for streets to be safe and accessible for everybody to use no matter how you get around,” Cascio said.
Sunday’s Cyclovia wrapped up at 3 p.m., with all event-related road closures lifted following the celebration.
The next Cyclovia is expected to take place in spring 2027.
While the streets have reopened to vehicle traffic, organizers hope the experience encourages residents to think differently about how Tucson’s roads can serve everyone who uses them.
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