Viva Streets Denver transformed a significant stretch of the city into a vibrant, pedestrian and cyclist paradise this year. For four Sundays spanning May to August, approximately 3.5 miles of Broadway in Denver became car-free, inviting residents to explore their city streets in a completely new way. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Community Engagement Team joined the final event on Sunday, August 6th, to connect with the community and share valuable information.
Inspired by the renowned Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia, Viva Streets Denver echoes the spirit of creating healthier, more active urban environments. Bogotá’s Ciclovía, which takes place every Sunday, closes off over 75 miles of streets, encouraging walking, jogging, and biking instead of driving. This global movement has spread to over 400 cities across nearly 30 countries, each embracing the concept of car-free public spaces for community well-being.
At the heart of Denver’s Civic Center, the RTD team engaged with enthusiastic festival attendees. Setting up a lively hub, they offered a range of interactive games, tasty snacks, and important information about RTD services. Popular games like Connect 4 and ring toss drew crowds, while the chance to tour RTD’s recognizable parade bus provided a unique experience. Team member Brandon Figliolino was on hand to demonstrate the user-friendly bicycle racks available on all RTD buses, highlighting the ease of combining cycling with public transportation.
A key point of interest for many attendees was the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative, which was active through August. This program, launched on July 1st, provided free access to all RTD services, including bus, rail, on-demand, and paratransit options.
The atmosphere at Viva Streets was filled with community spirit and excitement. Many participants shared personal stories about how the Zero Fare program had positively impacted their lives, emphasizing how it facilitated connections and improved accessibility within Denver.
While the Zero Fare for Better Air program concluded on August 31st, the spirit of community engagement and active living fostered by events like Viva Streets Denver continues. To discover more activities and ways to navigate Denver using public transit, explore Rad Things (to) Do for inspiration.
New to riding RTD? Find helpful tips and resources to plan your journey here.
Stay connected with the RTD Community Engagement Team and find out where they will be next by checking out RTD’s Community Calendar.
