Mayor Romero was at Cyclovia but where was the silliness?

Politicians turned out in force for the Tucson October Cyclovia and bicyclers, too. Only a very few bicyclists, however, were dressed in costumes unlike back in 2023 when cosplaying seemed to be a thing. None of the bicycles being pedaled into the Bronx Park Hub was decorated with festive flowers or colorful streamers or bouncing balloons, again, unlike previous years. And I saw zero snazzy customized bikes — well, maybe except for an unusual bicycle-built-for-two. Perhaps I was just at the wrong HUB at the wrong time. Cyclovia is, after all, a moveable event with changing cast of characters on bicycles who come and go.

Mayor Romero and her staffers were walking through the crowd. She had walked past me, smiled, and kept on walking before I realized who it was. I caught up with her and took the photo at the top of this page.

At the Peace Fair at Armory Park last Spring two political parties had booths, side-by-side: the Communist Party and the Green Party. At this Cyclovia there were also two booths, side-by-side, for political groups: one was for the city council members who are running for re-election. The other was staffed by members of the Tucson Democratic Socialist party–the group that AOC and the Bern and soon-to-be NYC mayor Mamdani identify with. The local Dem Socialists were spreading the word about turning TEP into a public utility. I told them I wasn’t sure one way or the other and I am watching to see how Mayor Mamdani in NYC governs. He has made some huge promises to New Yorkers.

Okay. Enough of politics. Here are some people determined to have fun: a black-hatted witch, a man with horned hat and a tricyclist in full make-up.

And shirts — I can’t forget to mention shirts, can I? I do not remember, however, seeing a full booth with Cyclovia merchandise, especially t-shirts at the previous Tucson Cyclovias sponsored by Living Streets Alliance. Some shirts were really attractive.

And now for some random photos which are really in the spirit of Cyclovia. People coming and going on various vehicles and by foot. For the first time I saw a bicycle built for two as a side-by-side vehicle. While the pink food truck was a colorful addition to this HUB, the busiest business was the beer garden. It was packed.

And more randomness… The two on the left, below, were volunteers seated on a corner about two blocks away where they were giving directions to the Bronx Park Hub. The woman in the middle was wearing a traditional La Catarina Calvera shirt–perfect for All Saints Day. And on the right, mother and daughters.

Six months from now, maybe sooner, there will be another Cyclovia. I hope it does not conflict with another event. While this Cyclovia was happening, Dogtober was doing its adopt-a-dog thing on the other side of town at Ft. Lowell Park. Too much fun stuff in Tucson! (And rents have begun to drop!)