On Sunday, October 25th, we held Cyclovia Tucson along our longest-standing route, connecting downtown Tucson to South Tucson, marking our 25th event.
It was such a joy to bring Open Streets back to South Tucson, including our Safe Routes partner schools, Mission View Elementary and Ochoa Community School, as well as the John Valenzuela Youth Center (JVYC). The route also brought Cyclovia through the Tucson neighborhoods of Santa Rita Park-West Ochoa, Santa Rosa, Barrio Viejo, and Armory Park.
There was so much fun that was had that Sunday with streets closed to cars and open to people. But beyond the festivities, Cyclovia offered an opportunity to celebrate the many people, organizations, and community partnerships that make the day possible.
Months of connecting with community organizations, building partnerships, and bringing creative ideas to life came together in the final days before Cyclovia. Leading up to the event, we were all buzzing with excited energy to set the last things into place for the big day.
The two days before the event are always a flurry of activity. There are still plenty of details to work through, including flyers on every car parked along the route, reminding residents about the event and inviting them to join tens of thousands of people for the joyful day. Chalk markings also go down to designate the spots of 100+ organizations that started arriving as early as 7am on Sunday morning.
Then comes Cyclovia morning. At 5am, the LSA team is already up and moving, gathering supplies, snacks, and radios before heading to their respective locations along the route. At each of the five activity hubs, an LSA team member is ready to greet participating organizations, help them find their designated spots, and get everyone settled in for the six-hour celebration ahead.
By 9am, all five activity hubs are ready to welcome tens of thousands of people who would spend the day exploring the route. Each hub is curated to have its own character and activities that bring it to life. From music and food to hands-on activities, neighborhood celebrations, and opportunities to connect, there was something special at every turn. Here’s a look at what made each hub special.
Photo by Kathleen Dreier
Rose and Collin Forbes Hub at Armory Park
The Rose and Collin Forbes Hub at Armory Park served as a special gathering place to commemorate Rose and Collin Forbes and their lasting contribution to LSA and the Tucson community.
Once 9am hit, the route opened and KXCI provided a great soundtrack as people began pouring in to kick off the day. One of the first things that caught the attention of our youngest Cyclovia participants was the infectious energy surrounding the Fantastic Foam Party. Kids delighted in the foam while adults enjoyed the nearby beer garden, hosted in partnership with Pueblo Vida Brewing Co. and Slow Body Beer Co.. Together, they brewed a special hoppy blonde ale to called “Tra-La-La" to celebrate Cyclovia’s 25th event. Downtown Tucson Partnership was a great partner in getting the space around downtown ready for Sunday’s festivities.
There was plenty more happening around the hub. Genuine BMX brought excitement, wowing the crowds with tricks and stunts, drawing plenty of attention. Kids could also play hopscotch while their parents learned about health initiatives at Coalition for a Healthy Arizona’s table. PSOMAS Engineering firm had an engaging tent and Pima County’s Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program shared education on preserving air quality while offering prizes for those participants that signed up for their Drive Less Pledge. Showing off their ubiquitous scooters, Lime let folks test them out and gave away free helmets. Tucson Love Letter set up a wonderful love letter writing station along The Children’s Museum lawn. And thanks to REI’s fix-a-flat station who helped keep folks rolling. Our partner in making this downtown hub
SANTA ROSA HUB
After riding through Barrio Viejo and enjoying the garden hose spray from a neighbor along the route, the next stop was the Santa Rosa Hub. DJ Zeytune was pumping out music with a great vibe while participants refilled their water bottles at Tucson Water’s hydration station.
There was plenty to keep everyone entertained. While kids were getting minor adjustments on their bikes from Campfire Cycling, they could jump into ICCU’s money machine to catch cash to start their saving account. AZ Luminaria brought word games and zines, while Tucson Roller Collective and Esperanza Dance Project activated the park with lively performances throughout the day. Cyclist guide Epic Rides handed out swag from their adventures such as camping cups and caps.
OCHOA HUB
At the boundary of Tucson and South Tucson sits at Ochoa Community School, another hub full of activities. Ward 1 curated a collaboration between FUGA and the Cushing Street Skate Park, promoting the current development of the park with cool stickers and skate ramps to try out. The LD 20 Democratic Committee never fails to bring out the best helmet decorating supplies. E & J Frybread had to resupply to keep up with demand and Gelu Italian Ice helped cool down riders as the sun rose in the sky. Borderlands Theater was out to promote an incredible 40th Season. Don't miss out on Barrio Stories opening this week! AARP hosted activities focused on getting out the vote and held a raffle for a new bike and helmet. DJ Guillermosito kept the energy up and tunes flowing.
LUNA Y SOL
The Luna y Sol Hub at 29th St and 8th Ave was a parking lot party with people dancing cumbias played by Santa Cruz River Jams DJ Arnold and his son DJ Oro. You might have seen our highlight on Instagram, provided by Visit Tucson, and this spot really felt like a neighborhood hub full of love and creativity while neighbors got a coffee from the newly-opened cafe, families played Lotería in the nanas lounge in the pollinator garden area, Walter gave away free bilingual books from La Syrena Barrio Books, Reinas Who Hike led walking groups, local boxing groups hosted demonstrations and invitations to their programs, Natural Grocers gave away healthy snacks to fuel participants throughout the day, and Luciid Car and Bike Club brought the style with lowrider bikes on display and cruising the route. Special shoutout to TUGO for providing people with free bikes to enjoy the event all day long, keeping people moving and having fun!
ARIZONA COMPLETE HEALTH HUB AT MISSION VIEW ELEMENTARY
Reaching the southernmost part of this Cyclovia route, the Arizona Complete Health Hub at Mission View Elementary saw hundreds of families and community members taking part in free health services while enjoying local food and performances. DJ Humblelianess kicked off the morning with deep soul cuts as neighbors savored the fresh pressed “Sweet Ride” fruit punch from Juicy Lucy, blueberry cheesecake tamales from Los Poblanitos, and brimming salteñas from Sumaj Bolivian Street Food. By midmorning, Ballet Folklorico Tapatio had taken to the streets, telling stories through Mexican folk song and dance, horns resounding throughout the family-filled blocks, traditional dresses spinning in lush pinks and reds. Project Bike Club capped off the hub with an obstacle course for cyclists of all sizes and became an unofficial gathering place for many throughout the day. The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility engaged with participants by showing biking and walking improvements planned in South Tucson and shared information about their Safe Streets Mini-grant program, and we were lucky to have Ajo Bikes at Cyclovia for the first time, whose free bike tune-ups sent folks cruising smoothly north.
The heart of this hub resided in Arizona Complete Health’s free mobile health services that flanked 8th Avenue. Dozens of community members received free cancer screenings, and Centene Corporation distributed over 100 pairs of glasses – the highest they have ever given at an event! Thank you to Arizona Complete Health for providing Title Sponsorship of this Fall’s Cyclovia, without which this event wouldn’t have been possible.
A special highlight along the route was seeing 22 young riders from Ochoa and Mission View Elementary schools meeting up in the morning at this hub. Accompanied by parents, grandparents, school staff, and ride leaders from BICAS and Project Bike Club, the group rode the entirety of the route with a short break to enjoy the foam party downtown. Along the route they caught up to riders from the Challenger Middle School bike club who had set out just before them. For some of the young riders it was the furthest distance they’ve ridden. For a few parents, it was the first time on a bike in years. After the group ride wrapped up, many families headed back out onto the route to further explore the various hubs and enjoy more of the day’s activities.
This southern hub has a permanent place in our memory filled with the scents, sights and sounds of a street come alive with Tucson heart. It was, as one participant noted, “like coming upon a wonderland.”
Our Volunteers Deserve a Special Thanks for Helping Make the Event Possible
Cyclovia happens because of the many volunteer hours contributed by more than 167 volunteers. Volunteering is such a great way to support open streets and bring the event to life. Here are some things volunteers have said about why they love being part of Cyclovia:
“I love the community involvement, bike riding, everything”
“Great People, resources, and energy!”
“The neighbors were out, it was an amazing day!”
“It’s my favorite thing Tucson does”
Grateful for this Cyclovia, and looking forward to the next time!
Cyclovia is a powerful reminder of what our city can become when we reimagine healthier, safer, and more enjoyable streets for people. It’s such a joy bringing community together to make public space open for play, cultural exchange, and connecting with our neighbors.
It’s only one day, but our work continues year-round as we advocate for more walkable, bikeable, and accessible streets by challenging old patterns and pushing for change. We are very grateful for the community partners who show up to this and every Cyclovia, continuing to demonstrate what it means to engage their own communities and build a broad and joyful movement for better streets for everyone.
As we wrap up this event, we already have our eyes to the next one! Keep an eye out for more details. We'd love your feedback and involvement in the Open Streets movement in Tucson. Get in touch if you feel inspired to help, make the next Cyclovia even better.
