Síclovía officials set sights on safer roads, community

With Síclovía quickly approaching on March 29, YMCA and city officials are casting the fitness celebration as a chance to bring public attention to road safety.

The biannual event, which drew about 68,000 bikers, walkers and skaters to Broadway and Midtown last September, is expected to draw about 50,000-plus to Southtown this month.

Participants will wind 2.7 miles starting at St. Mary’s Street where it intersects with South Alamo Street, then down Roosevelt Avenue to Steves Avenue and on to Mission Concepción. All the streets will be closed to motor traffic. Participants can expect to see a series of bike demos, greetings from Silver Stars and Rampage players, vendors and music, as well as zones for yoga and Zumba.

Even with all the trappings, Síclovía Director Monica Garza said the focus of the event, which started in 2011, remains squarely on encouraging cyclists, motorists and pedestrians to co-exist safely — both at Síclovía and during the rest of the year.

“This is something that’s still new to San Antonio,” Garza said. “We’re learning how to be friendly and respectful on the road together.”

YMCA representative Lisa Ramirez offered a few tips for participants at Síclovía, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Palm Sunday: cyclists and fast-moving traffic will occupy the center lanes; joggers and those with slower sets of wheels will keep to the right, while even slower foot traffic and those who want a break should use the sidewalks. Pets on short leashes are welcome.

District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales said it’s important to focus on pedestrian safety.

“Over the past year and a half … 96 people have been killed (by motor vehicles) in our city while they were crossing the street,” Gonzales explained. “Having an event here like this Síclovía, it just brings awareness to all the road users.”

Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran of District 3 said she was glad to see Síclovía return to the South Side, along with a continued safety discussion.

“This is a top priority,” Viagran said.

jgerlach@express-news.net