What do New York City, San Francisco, Portland have in common with Miami? Ah…not much you would say. The first three are revered as some of our country’s most progressive, sustainable and livable cities. But Miami? Well, the times they are ‘a changin’.
Enter BikeMiami.
Last December I wrote an op-ed to the Miami Herald urging city officials to make a Miami more bicycle-friendly. I wrote because the pure lack of attention being paid to bicyclists represented a larger issue. Miami was choosing not to compete as a 21st century city. Although bicycle-friendliness does not encompass all things livable in a city, those cities who have pursued such a noble goal are those that tend to be the most livable. As a result, they are capable of outperforming others in the pursuit of new talent, investment and sustainability — a buzzword if I have ever heard one.
One of the items that I mentioned in said op-ed was Bogota’s Ciclovia, an event that closes 70km of city streets and hands them over to what makes a city work, it’s people. The shear success of Ciclovia — with thousands of bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers etc. participating every Sunday — has had a catalytic effect on how North American cities are starting to view their own streets. In many respects, Bogota has become what Jane Jacobs calls a ‘pattern city.’ That is, a city that inspires other cities to emulate its success.
Well, mark your calendar Miamians, because the City of Miami is closing several downtown streets for what is now being dubbed BIKEMIAMI. Sources close to Transit Miami confirm this landmark event will take place on Sunday, November 9th. The exact times have not been scheduled, but know that it will likely run from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Bicyclists, skaters, pedestrians, joggers, roller bladers, yoga fanatics and everyone else and their mother will be invited to come downtown and enjoy their city — without cars.
Ah, now maybe this will foster some civitas.
Keep in mind that all the details are still being worked out, but TM will be there every step of the way to report on updates and concurrent events as they become available.
A big thank you has to be bestowed upon the Bicycle Action Committee and those within the Mayor’s office who have made this little seed I planted grow into a reality. Also, please know the cooperation across City departments and with groups like the Miami DDA and the folks who run the ING Miami Marathon has been instrumental.
More to come…
In the meantime, check out StreetFilms‘ work documenting Ciclovia type events in the aforementioned cities. I think you will like what you see.
Spread the word.
Maybe we’ll put some magic back in this city yet.
This is a monumental step forward for Miami. Excellent news Mike, thanks for sharing…
A dream come true! I’m inviting everyone I know — let’s up the turnout to perpetuate this breakthrough.
O-M-G! This is so friggin sweet. Date has been marked and set aside.
Excellent! I will definitely pass the word around and attend.
Yes, do tell everyone you know. The more we have, the more likely this is to continue as a regular event, and extended to more and more streets. Viva La Velorucion!
great, next we can lobby for a saturday. sunday is an easy day to pick due to the complete lack of cars anyway. but you gotta start somewhere. im in full support.
How exciting, I’m glad this is coming to fruition. Good work Mike.
Spread the word, People! We are looking for a critical mass (lower-case) and this is going to take a lot of dedication from everyone who wants liveable, rideable city streets here in Miami. Check back to TM often – Bike Miami will have a website/facebook/myspace soon…
***Suggestions for slogans/logos/everything are also greatly appreciated!***
Hi Mike. I am so excited about this. I hope flyers are posted soon so I can copy and pass them out in my building and at my daughter’s school. I AM THERE LIKE CHER! I saw something on the Internets that I liked.
VELOVE=VELO LOVE , get it?
Wonderful news, it’s about time! I’m so excited! I copied the date and definitely telling all my friends at FIU to come. This will be an awesome day to spend in Downtown biking. Do you know which streets they’ll be closing?
I’ll be there!
Great news Mike….
Will spread the word and will also be there….
Im so excited!!!! I helped “ellen” pass out flyers too! Teeheehee!
Dear TransitMiami.com:
Thank you very much for taking the time to show Bogotá Colombia as a model “pattern” city.Not only has the ciclovia been a blessing for everyone in the city over the last few DECADES, but our Transmilenio ( http://www.barriosdebogota.com/transmilenio-unira-a-soacha-con-bogota/ ) bus transport system has also been copied by many capital cities all over the world. Step by step we are progressing – perhaps not Miami yet but moving forward.