Races and Cycling Caravans Mark Bolivia’s National Pedestrian Day

Bolivia’s streets and avenues filled with runners, cyclists and families on Sunday as the country began its National Pedestrian and Cyclist Day. Vehicle traffic was restricted under Law No. 150 of 2011.

In Santa Cruz, activities centered on the city center. Plaza 24 de Septiembre remained closed to vehicles until noon, while the Santa Cruz 6K footrace started at Manzana Uno. Organizers also planned appearances by traditional characters including the duende and the viudita. The route forms a cross, one of Santa Cruz’s major symbols.

La Paz hosted the cycling caravan “La Paz, capital of the sky,” with departures from five locations: Buenos Aires Avenue in Max Paredes, the Pampahasi viewpoint, the Hampaturi sub-mayor’s office, Triangular Square in Miraflores and San Miguel parish in the southern zone.

El Alto’s main event was the 10K family bike ride, starting on Street 2 of Avenida 6 de Marzo and continuing along Ladislao Cabrera, Bolivia and Julio Cesar Valdez avenues. In Cochabamba, vehicle restrictions continued until 6:30 p.m. Activities began before dawn with “Bici de Buen Gobierno,” a nighttime ride from Plaza de las Banderas to the San Sebastián Hill monument, followed by the 10K footrace from Avenida Blanco Galindo in Colcapirhua. Chuquisaca also organized a morning bike ride led by Governor Luis Ayllón.

Similar recreational activities and traditional games took place in other parts of the country. The day seeks to promote awareness of air pollution and the effects of motorized transport on urban areas.