Promotion of Recreational Walking: Case Study of the Ciclovía-Recreativa of Bogotá

Abstract

The Ciclovía-Recreativa of Bogotá is a community programme in which streets are closed to motor vehicle traffic and open exclusively for people so they can enjoy a safe, free space for walking, jogging, cycling and skating. Currently, Ciclovía-type programmes have been implemented in cities from all the continents of the world. This case study aimed to assess the association between walking behaviours and Ciclovía participation among adults and older adults and the potential factors associated with the sustainability and scalability of this programme. Adults who reported participating in the Ciclovía were more likely to walk at least 150 minutes per week (POR 2.08, 95% CI 1.43–3.02). Likewise, among older adults, living in a neighbourhood with Ciclovía corridors was marginally associated with having walked for at least 150 minutes per week (POR 1.29, 95% CI 0.97–1.73). Main factors that could contribute to the development and sustainability of the programme include policies from different sectors concurrent with community support. Factors associated with the scalability of the Ciclovía include: (1) local officials that travelled the world to speak about Bogotá’s urban transformation, (2) a transnational network of sustainable transportation and public health advocates of the programme, (3) a network of Ciclovía experts that shared technical and administrative details needed to organise an event and (4) the digital technologies that made the viralisation of photos and videos of Bogotá possible. The Ciclovía is a multisectoral and scalable programme associated with the promotion of walking.

Citation

Sarmiento, O.L., Pedraza, C., Triana, C.A., Díaz, D.P., González, S.A. and Montero, S. (2017), "Promotion of Recreational Walking: Case Study of the Ciclovía-Recreativa of Bogotá", Walking (Transport and Sustainability, Vol. 9), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 275-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-994120170000009016