Copy written by Erin Bagatta, 88Nine Intern. Audio by Nate Imig.
Car horns will be replaced by the chiming of bicycle bells this Sunday as the Clarke Square neighborhood celebrates its biannual ciclovía.
What is a ciclovía, do you ask?
The word originates from far beyond the borders of Milwaukee in the bustling city of Bogotá, Columbia. According to Danielle Nabak, Project Coordinator for the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative and coordinator of the event, the English translation means, “Cycle-way”.
“Having a more bike and pedestrian friendly community is something we're passionate about,” Nabak said.
And that is exactly what the streets stretching from Clarke Square to Walker’s Square Park will transform into on August 20.
From noon until 4 p.m., car traffic will be excluded from sections of the neighborhood, allowing families and friends to freely bike, walk, dance, and celebrate summer in a safe environment.
Click the player to hear Nate Imig's conversation with Nabak on the ciclovía tradition returning to Milwaukee this weekend.
Sunday’s ciclovía course will encompass 10th street to 24th street, as well as a stretch between Mineral and Greenfield. Whether you’re enjoying this event on two feet or two wheels, the Clarke Square ciclovía provides an opportunity for traffic-free summer fun.
The ciclovía is presented by the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative in partnership with Milwaukee Bike Federation, in addition to many other partners and sponsors.
The event is free and open to the public.
