New Brunswick
Ciclovia

New Brunswick held its tenth Ciclovia, the largest in New Jersey, on Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The 2-mile route (4 miles round-trip) closed streets to traffic and opened them for people to run, walk, bicycle, skate, and play. The designated route capitalized on community assets, linking unique and diverse communities within the city. In order to ensure the Ciclovia’s continued success, Charles Brown of Equitable Cities, who served as a senior researcher/principal investigator with the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) were tasked with evaluating the Ciclovia’s ability to meet the mission set forth by the Advisory Committee; to “promote active living for the entire community through open and car-free street.”

The research team collected data by administering intercept surveys—in-person surveys—to Ciclovia attendees on the day of the October 2016 Ciclovia. The design, contents, and location of the survey remained similar to the survey administered in 2013 in order to allow for comparisons. Surveys were administered in three locations along the entirety of the Ciclovia route: George Street, Joyce-Kilmer Avenue, and College Avenue.

The analysis and recommendations were designed to promote the Ciclovia’s overall effectiveness in achieving the following goals: welcoming participants of all ages and abilities; providing a safe environment for free physical activity and recreation; making active transportation a greater part of the daily lives of citizens and encouraging healthier exercise routines; and, increasing civic and neighborhood pride and encouraging citizens to become advocates for their community.