Uptown Dallas, Inc., a nonprofit organization charged with enhancing life for Uptown residents, promoting Uptown businesses and managing the Uptown Public Improvement District (UPID), will host Uptown Ciclovía, the city’s first large-scale Open Streets event. Ciclovías across the nation are unique events that temporarily shut down and transform city streets into urban parks for people to experience the city by foot, bicycle, rollerblades, skates and more.

In partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Uptown Dallas, Inc. will organize a 1.25-mile, car-free route connecting the Katy Trail to Klyde Warren Park and the Dallas Arts District via Cedar Springs Road and Harwood Street. The event will take place on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an opening ceremony at Klyde Warren Park at 10 a.m. During the event, residents of Dallas can enter the route at any point, there is no starting point or finish line, and are invited to participate in outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle while experiencing Uptown to the fullest. Local companies and vendors will be sponsoring recreational activities scattered along the route for participants to enjoy. These activities may include yoga, zumba, a rock climbing wall, children’s activities and much more.

“It is important to create opportunities like Uptown Ciclovía to reconnect residents with the city in which they live,” Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said. “This is a chance to get to know our neighbors, patronize local businesses and experience outdoor recreation venues such as Klyde Warren Park and the Katy Trail in a way that isn’t possible from inside a car.”  

Ciclovía is a Spanish term that means "bicycle path," also known as Open Streets in the United States. Originating in Bogatá, Colombia in 1976, Ciclovías were created in an effort to make Colombia a safer cycling city. Today, Ciclovías have been successfully taking place and gaining momentum for years in major cities around the country, including: Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio. In these cities, those along Ciclovía/Open Streets routes have enjoyed positive impacts on their businesses by participating in the family-friendly event. There are now more than 100 Ciclovía events in North America each year.

“The primary mission of Uptown Dallas Inc. is to ensure Uptown is a friendly, safe, walkable urban neighborhood where individuals are proud to live, work and play. We believe Uptown Ciclovía will showcase that mission and highlight many of the capital improvement projects we have created for the neighborhood, including the new landscaping and lighting along Cedar Springs Road,” said Joseph Pitchford, past chairman of Uptown Dallas Inc. and founder of Uptown Ciclovía. “Uptown Ciclovía celebrates the idea that the streets are for the people, taking them back from traffic and opening them up for social interaction, recreation and exploration and admiration of the neighborhood.”

“At the Y, we are really excited to be part of such a wonderful event that will bring the entire community together to energize our commitment to healthy living,” said Gordon Echtenkamp, President/CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

For more information about Uptown Ciclovía and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the website at www.UptownCiclovía.org.

ABOUT UPTOWN DALLAS, INC. 

Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) is a non-profit entity charged with managing the Uptown Public Improvement District (UPID), enhancing life for Uptown residents and promoting Uptown businesses through neighborhood maintenance projects, safety and marketing programs as well as coordinating neighborhood promotions and events. UDI seeks to keep business owners, residents and visitors informed and engaged in the Uptown life creating a viable social network, hosting events and drawing media attention to Uptown. For more information visit http://www.uptowndallas.net/about/uptown-public-improvement-district.

ABOUT THE Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.  Anchored in 22 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcadallas.org

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