The community is the biggest beneficiary of cyclovias. A new open space is created with every Cyclovia where a diverse range of enjoyable and environmentally friendly activities can be carried out. In addition, Cyclovias around the world have generated income for local businesses as the amenity of the street is enhanced. Cyclovia users patronize local businesses more than usual.

After analysing experiences around the globe, three main areas of benefits from cyclovias have been identified:

• Health
• Community empowerment
• Sustainable development

Health Benefits

Many members of the community are deeply concerned with the health issues associated with being overweight. A Cyclovia addresses the growing inactivity in our population as it provides the opportunity for all people to take part in a healthy physical activity in a new, safe and attractive environment.

Although might people argue that existing off-road bicycle facilities and parks are already encouraging people to do physical activities, the reality is that these infrastructure are not been used by all members of the community. Couple and young families find in the cyclovias a new, safe and positive environment to enjoy the streets while at the same time exercising. Please visit the feedback section to learn more what users and politicians perceive the health benefits of the

Community Empowerment

The standard practice in Cyclovias around the world is that volunteers manage intersections along the length of the street that is opened to pedestrians, rollerbladers and cyclists.

The use of volunteers in a cyclovia is primarily to promote community building. sustainability of a municipality depends extensively in the community connectedness and activities that involve volunteers have proven to support the development of community spirit.

Therefore, cyclovias are a great opportunity for local governments and non-profit organizations to promote voluntarism and empower the community by support its connectivity and develop community knowledge around the cyclovias.

Sustainable Development

A common definition of sustainable development in international forums is “Sustainable development is such development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

The reality of current human resources in the world make important for sustainable development the way people move. Cyclovias have demonstrated to be an essencial tool to promote within the community the use of active transport (such as cycling and walking). Significant number of participants of the first Cyclovia in Australia expressed the positive environment that cyclovias provide to people of all ages to learn, or get confident, in riding on busy streets such as Sydney Road.

Moreover, cyclovias could be used to promote the use of public transport by allowing these modes to continue operating during the cyclovia. This promotional feature of the cyclovia was used in Sydney Road where buses and trams remained normal operation during the entire day.

In addition to mobility, the enhancement of the local economy is another contribution of cyclovias to sustainable development. Local shopping areas are fundamental to promote a better use of resources and generate community spirit. However, local economic activities are currently under threat by big commercial complex located normally at the outskirts of urban areas. Cyclovias around the world have generated income for local businesses as the amenity of the street is enhanced and Cyclovia users patronise local businesses more than usual.