The 15th Síclovía returns to Broadway Street on Sunday, and for the first time, the route includes an area for pets to roam free with their humans.
Beginning at Mahncke Park, the route will stretch 2.7 miles along Broadway Street, Brooklyn Avenue, and Camden Avenue to Madison Square Park. Those roads will be closed to traffic beginning at 9 a.m.
Organizers intended the route to include Travis Park or Alamo Plaza, but downtown construction prevented that, said Síclovía Director Stephanie Chavira.
“Madison Park turned out to be a blessing, because they have a city dog park, and for the last couple events we have had people ask us if we could offer an open space for their dogs to run around, which is easier said than done,” she said.
Organized by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, family-friendly Síclovía gives San Antonians an opportunity to safely roam otherwise busy streets, and partners with local businesses and community organizations who will set up along the route, offering resources for alternative transportation, pet adoptions, and healthy living, in addition to food trucks and water stations.
The event will take place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to explore the area on foot, bike, skateboard, unicycle, or any other non-motorized transportation option available. Representatives from local e-scooter companies Blue Duck, Bird, and Lime will be on hand to educate the community on safety, but the popular motorized scooters, San Antonio’s newest transportation craze, will not be allowed along the route.
“It defeats the exercise purpose,” Chavira said.
The YMCA will give out about 400 used bicycle helmets at the three parks along the route: Maverick Park, Madison Square Park, and Mahncke Park, which also serve as the main water stations for the event.
Since its inception in 2011, Síclovía has opened 42 miles of city streets, activated 48 local parks, and reached 733,500 participants.
Baptist Medical Center will open eight of its parking lots and garages for free parking.
