Every Sunday in Bogota, Colombia, is different thanks to Ciclovia. From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., streets become more human, quieter and peaceful. Ciclovia was born 50 years ago when the independent organization Pro-cicla closed the first streets to pollutant vehicles on 15th December 1974. It congregated 5,000 people who protested against pollution, cars and lack of leisure alternatives in the city. In June of 1976, the mayor made it “official” through decrees 566 and 567. As time passed by, the number of kilometers for people on Sundays diminished to 20, until Ciclovía was managed by the Secretaría de Tránsito y Transporte and the Instituto Distral de Recreación y Deporte. Today, more than 80 kilometers are closed every Sunday. Even more, there is the Ciclovia Nocturna (Night Ciclovia) which consists in closing streets twice in August and Christmas. It started in December 1999 and three million people enjoyed it.
As it comes to the types of people who take advantage of Ciclovia, the earlier risers are the cyclist who preferred making sport since they go to Patio, Guadalupe and Montserrate hills. Next, families with children use streets as playing grounds. After them, other bikers, skaters, senior citizens and walkers join the celebration. Finally, food sellers, gymnastic groups and sometimes live concerts contribute to make it a party.
The success of this event goes deep into transforming an area into a democratic and universal surface. Not surprisingly, it has been exported to other cities within Colombia, Chili, Mexico and USA.