CICLOVIA item on tomorrow's City Council meeting agenda? It's more likely than you think...

Nadia Barrera of the CoA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program just sent out notice regarding Item 70 on tomorrow morning's City Council meeting agenda, which lays out a request for the planning of a local "Ciclovia"-style event for bike month. Here's the text of the resolution itself:

RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS, the City of Austin encourages multi-modal transportation to improve traffic congestion, air quality, and the health of the citizens; and

WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to providing safe, efficient, and accessible bicycle facilities for all residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the City of Austin has been designated as Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, is working to achieve Gold or even Platinum designation, and aspires to be the most bike friendly city in Texas; and

WHEREAS, the entire community, regardless of age, economic situation, or ability, should be encouraged to walk or cycle in their daily lives; and

WHEREAS, Ciclovias, motor-vehicle free events that connect runners skaters, and cyclists throughout the city, began in 1976, and now attract millions of people to events around the world; and

WHEREAS, many cities in the United States including El Paso, Baltimore, Las Cruces, Cleveland, San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, and New York have held car-free Ciclovia-inspired events; and

WHEREAS, there is significant community interest in Austin to organize a motor-vehicle free event for Bicycle Awareness Month in May, 2010; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN:
The City Manager is directed to work with the community including cycling advocates, other governmental entities, and neighborhood representatives to create a Ciclovia type event to improve public health and encourage cycling to occur in May 2010 with potential for future events and develop partnerships with the community that will organize and host this event.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the City Manager give an update to the Council Comprehensive Planning and Transportation Committee of the plan before implementation including fiscal impact.

If you're downtown in the general vicinity of City Hall, PLEASE swing by and register your support for Item 70 on the agenda. Randi Shade and Chris Riley are spearheading this resolution, lets all show the some support from the local cycling community.

Ciclovia events are a great way to get people out on their bicycles and enjoying the urban landscape in a way they may not have experienced before. Being able to leisurely travel the streets and appreciate the local architecture and scenery is a luxury we're rarely afforded while riding through the city's car-clogged arterial roads. From the sound of things this is being planned as a one-time event, unlike the weekly Ciclovia in Bogota, Columbia where every Sunday the city shuts down over 70 miles of roads to motorized traffic, allowing cyclists, skaters and pedestrians free (and much safer) access. Hey, at least it's a start.

Thanks for giving us a heads-up on this Nadia.