Princeton “Ciclovia” Bike and Pedestrian Fest to Be Held May 4

Tucson, Arizona is host to one of the most popular ciclovia events in the country.
Tucson, Arizona is host to one of the most popular Ciclovia events in the country.

A stretch of Quaker Road will be transformed into an automobile-free space for cyclists and pedestrians next month.

Princeton’s first ever Ciclovía event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, rain or shine. Ciclovia is a Spanish term that means “cycleway.”

Quaker Road will be open for walking, pushing strollers, skating, running, biking, wheelchairs and walkers, rollerblading, and dancing. Leashed dogs are also welcome to walk or run, officials said.

Sponsored by the Princeton Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee with the support of town of Princeton, the Princeton Police Department, West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, East Coast Greenway, Greater Mercer TMA, Historical Society of Princeton, Princeton Friends Meeting, Princeton Friends School, Princeton Battlefield Society, Boys and Girls Club of Trenton Bike Exchange, Princeton Freewheelers, D&R Canal Watch, and Sustainable Princeton, the event is designed to promote active living in the community and to increase the awareness of biking, walking and other non-motorized forms of transportation.

Participants are encouraged to walk, run or bike to Quaker Road. A group bike ride will depart from the Princeton Shopping Center at 12:15 p.m.  Cyclists can also park and ride along the tow path from any D&R Canal parking area. Parking will be available at the Friends School at the corner of Mercer Road and Quaker Road in Princeton, and in the ‘Babies ‘R Us’ parking lot at the Nassau Park Shopping Center in West Windsor.

The  Updike Farm will be open for tours throughout the afternoon. The D&R Canal Watch will offer two guided walks. Ted Chase will lead a bird walk at 1:30 p.m. Doug McCray will lead a history walk at 3 p.m. Both guided walks will begin at the D&R Canal parking lot near Port Mercer, and each will last about 30 minutes.

A worldwide movement with activities throughout the United States, Ciclovias originated in Bogota, Columbia 30 years ago. A Ciclovia is designed to enhance community engagement and expand the concept of vehicle-free public spaces, while encouraging people of all ages and abilities to be physically active. The events are often held in the center of towns and cities and in densely populated residential areas. New Brunswick has been holding Ciclovia events since 2013.

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