Get Out and Play-San Antonio’s First Siclovia

San Antonio had received a $15.6 million grant from the federal stimulus plan to reduce and prevent obesity, and applied a small portion of those monies to get citizens outside to bike, run, and play. The first event was held on October 2, 2011, and the next will be on March 4, 2012. Designed for sustainability, they also partnered with the YMCA of Greater San Antonio to take on future Síclovía events once the grant cycle is over.

The ultimate goals were to promote active and alternative transportation and engage families and the entire community. “We wanted to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles,” said Ms. Velasquez. They also hoped to provide access and exposure to a variety of physical activities without the negative connotations people often associate with the word “exercise.”

Ms. Velasquez explained that the event was very carefully organized, with a steering committee, route selection, and the proper approvals. They had water stations, first aid, bicycle rental and repair, healthy food vendors, porta-potties, and a large group of volunteers to keep everything running smoothly. The next event will even have water stations for pets. In addition to good planning, the events can accommodate spontaneous activity, too. “It’s very organized. We plan, but a lot of the things that happen, people do themselves,” Ms. Velasquez explained. Some participants arrived with hula hoops and sidewalk chalk to add to the fun.

A unique feature of the San Antonio events are “reclovias,” pre-arranged physical activity classes and stations along the route that engage participants in things like tai chi, yoga, zumba, basketball, rock walls, and obstacle courses. People on their way along the ciclovia route could stop and try out new activities at their leisure.