Cyclists packed Treat for the Spring Cyclovia

Tucson’s Cyclovia on a sunny April Sunday seemed much busier, but a lot less fun than previous ones. Treat Avenue, an official bicycle street year ’round, was packed curb-to-curb with bicyclists of all ages. Compared to previous events here and here, there were not many people in costume, not many people looking happy and silly which is too bad. I wonder how much of that attitude stems from the overall tenor of America at this point.

On the other hand, three young kids–a girl and two boys–showing off on the BMX cycling ramps — I would have called them skateboard ramps–were having a great time, as you can see from the photo at the top of this post.

There were a couple of men who got into the fun spirit. One was riding a penny-farthing, a big wheeled bicyle, and the other towered above everyone else in a custom high-rise bike.

A pickleball club dressed in bright t-shirts as well as a group of acapella singers under a tent added to the atmosphere. I’ve seen these singers at a previous Cyclovia held by the Living Streets Alliance and think it is charming to invite the world to Canta Con Nosotros! They are sort of in the spirit of “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”.

I was surprised by the number of private and charter schools stationed at this hub. They were obviously recruiting new students. A scout troop was also represented by the parents, also looking for new scouts. And then away from the cyclists were happy children playing on the swings and slides in La Madera park. It was a lovely way to spend an hour or two on a warm, sunny Sunday — even if it lacked silliness and laughter.