Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Open Streets

Car-Free Streets Draw Bigger Crowds in San Antonio Than Pro Sports

It's hard to argue that people in Texas just aren't into walking and biking after you watch the above video from the Rivard Report, which shows the overjoyed crowds at San Antonio's Síclovía open streets event earlier this month.

This was the tenth Síclovía, which happens twice a year. About 65,000 people came out to bike, jog, Zumba and play along 3.4 miles of streets winding through the heart of the city. For comparison, the Spurs, San Antonio's major pro sports franchise, play at an arena with a capacity of 18,500 people.

The main goal of Síclovía, which is run by the YMCA, is to promote physical activity and healthy habits. While many San Antonio residents would like more regular events, the YMCA says they don't have the capacity to do more.

As for making streets safe for biking and walking every day, San Antonio still has a long way to go on that front, says Council Member Shirley Gonzales, a champion of the city's recent Vision Zero legislation. But she sees this as an opportunity.

"Why can’t we have that every day?" she said. "Síclovía is an example of what the city can do... so that people see alternatives for what the streets can be."

Photo: Siclovía
Photo: Síclovía
Photo: Siclovía

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Best of 2024: Yes, People Bike In ‘Bad’ Weather — If We Support Them

Good policy can mean the difference between people getting in the saddle or not — even when Mother Nature is at her worst.

December 26, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines Are the Reason for the Season

An MTA worker's delightful after-work hobby, a viral sidewalk meme revisited and a few wonkier deep dives to get you through the holidays.

December 24, 2024

Best of 2024: The Real (Disappointing) Reason Why Gen Z Is Getting Fewer Drivers Licenses

Yes, fewer young adults are getting behind the wheel. No, it doesn't mean car culture is doomed.

December 24, 2024

Streetsblog Year in Review: The Biggest Sustainable Transport News of 2024

It was a busy year in the movement to end car dependency — and there's a lot more to come.

December 23, 2024

Monday’s Headlines Are Knocked Out by Greenways

Greenways are helping to revitalize cities, but how well are they integrated into the overall transportation system?

December 23, 2024
See all posts