FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASElsa_logo_lightContact Info: Kylie Walzak, Cyclovia Tucson Event Coordinator Living Streets Alliance P.O. Box 2641 Tucson, AZ 85702-2641 520. 261.8777 info@cycloviatucson.org www.cycloviatucson.org

COUNTDOWN TO CYCLOVIA TUCSON: ARIZONA’S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF CAR-FREE STREETS

Tucson, AZ (March 19th, 2014) – Cyclovia Tucson returns to Downtown and the City of South Tucson on Sunday April 6th, opening five and a half miles of city streets to pedestrians, cyclists and people-powered wheels of all kinds from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The annual event - presented by Living Streets Alliance - temporarily transforms Tucson’s streets into safe recreational space, open and accessible to everyone, and is a proven cost-effective way to introduce thousands of Tucsonans to sustainable, healthy, safe and active transportation habits.

Last year, more than 25,000 Tucsonans from every zip code took the first step towards a less car-dependent and healthier future by lacing up walking shoes and hopping on their bikes. Already the largest event of its kind in Arizona, 2014 is shaping up to be even bigger. With two music festivals anchoring the north and south end of the route on April 6th, organizers are expecting a record turnout.

"Tucson is a bike-friendly city and Cyclovia Tucson is just one example of that. We are committed, as a community, to providing our citizens with access to safe physical activity that promotes health and wellness, such as biking and walking," said City of Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. "We're also committed to developing sustainable transportation systems which include biking and walking. On Sunday, April 6th, take a stroll - or leisurely ride - through downtown's unique neighborhoods. Discover new businesses and make some new friends, all while getting a little sunshine and exercise. Hope to see you at Cyclovia Tucson."

Cyclovia Tucson has grown into one of the region’s most exciting initiatives to promote the benefits of active transportation and healthy lifestyles. With dozens of free activities, games, entertainment, and local businesses located within easy walking or biking distance along the route, Cyclovia Tucson helps make the possibilities of our streets visible to all who attend.

“Living Streets Alliance – the organization that presents two Cyclovia events each year – is really working to show Tucsonans that our streets can be retrofitted to do so much more than just carry cars and the results are quite pleasing to everyone,” said Living Streets Alliance founder and Executive Director, Emily Yetman. “Adding protected bike lanes, converting parking spaces into parklets, calming traffic with native plants that also provide shade – these are all techniques that will be demonstrated at Cyclovia and they are all examples of what LSA envisions for our streets.”

Cyclovia Tucson is made possible by the support of Pima County, Pima Association of Governments and the City of Tucson. The 2014 season of Cyclovia events is also supported by Cox Communications, Technicians for Sustainability, Cigna, Allstate, the University of Arizona Medical Center, and the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA).

Kevin Koch owner of Technicians for Sustainability noted, "As a business owner, I see true value in supporting Cyclovia Tucson. This event helps to strengthen the vibrancy of our community, while energizing the reality of active, livable streets. Ultimately, it's good for business, for the community and for individuals."

Make it a car-free day! Sunday April 6th is a day filled with fun, healthy, family-friendly events all across Tucson including: Tucson Hullabaloo in Armory Park (April 5th-6th), the Fería de Sur Tucson in the City of South Tucson and the first annual Viva La Local Food Fest. The organizers of these events encourage Tucsonans to use people-powered transportation for the day and take advantage of the Pima County Loop system and the City of Tucson’s bikeways, such as Mountain Avenue and Third Street, to access the events.

For participants heading to Downtown Tucson from farther away, parking is available at several locations near the Cyclovia Tucson route. Visit cycloviatucson.org/route to download a copy of the route map and locate parking.

For more information on Cyclovia Tucson visit www.cycloviatucson.org

For more information on Living Streets Alliance visit www.livingstreetsalliance.org

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