On Sunday 28 May, one of Melbourne’s busiest streets will be closed to cars and trucks and turned over to bikes for six hours for Cyclovia, an Australian first. Cyclists will be able to ride along Sydney Road from Brunswick Road to Bell Street and pedestrians will be able to take a stroll without needing to worry about traffic.

“This event is all about reclaiming the street for cyclists and pedestrians. Everyone is invited to come along and join in,” said Moreland City Council Mayor Cr Anthony Helou JP.

“Cyclovia means life to the street and these events are becoming more and more popular around the world as people take back the streets for fun, personal health and more liveable neighbourhoods,” said local Rotarian Dr Alasdair Cameron.

“This is the first time a Cyclovia event will be held in Australia, but it has been a great success in other parts of the world such as Europe and the Americas,” he said.

The event will be held between 8 am and 2 pm. Cars will be able to cross Sydney Road at main intersections and trams will operate as normal.

Cyclovia Concept (Cyclovia means Life to the street!)
Imagine roads with barely a car in sight and people of all ages walking, cycling, rollerblading or pushing a pram. That’s what a Cyclovia is. Although Cyclovia might sound new for cities in Australia, it has been happening for over 30 in countries around the world such as Colombia, France and Italy.

In our municipality, Cyclovia Moreland involves opening up Sydney Road to the community to celebrate life on the street away from motorised traffic. Sydney Road will become an open space with a new purpose for 6 hours during one day.

Cyclovia Moreland will be held on Sunday 28 May 2006 (from 8 am to 2 pm) when most people are free to enjoy relaxing and exercising in their neighbourhood.

Cars will not be allowed to drive along Sydney Road but will still be able to cross at Signalised intersections, minimizing the impact on private car use in the are during the Cyclovia

As Cyclovias around the world, volunteers will manage intersections along the length of the street.

The Moreland community will be the biggest beneficiary of this initiative. A new open space will be created 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 patronise local businesses more than usual.