Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

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
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Friday’s Headlines

Streetsblog Cal. is on a light publishing schedule today and Monday.

April 18, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

The end of "car free Market Street," LA's Vision Zero Flop, More Freeway Miles, Less Oil and Teslas and more...

April 17, 2025

The Armchair Urbanist Goes After BART to San Jose Extension

Even from 3,000 miles away, it's easy to see why the BART extension—as designed—is stupid.

April 16, 2025

Caltrans Posts Draft Master Plan for PCH in Malibu

Activists agree this plan is a huge improvement over current conditions, but there are some areas where it could be even better.

April 16, 2025

SB 720 and What You Need to Know about Red Light Cameras

According to data from UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), in 2023 alone, there were 167 fatalities and nearly 1000 people suffered serious injuries due to red light running and traffic light violations.

April 16, 2025
See all posts