By Emily Randall
Northeast News
Feb. 3, 2010

In cities around the world, events called cyclovias close roads to cars, bringing out people on foot, bicycle and other wheels to be active, socialize and enjoy games, food and entertainment.

Historic Northeast’s Cliff Drive — the only urban scenic byway in the state — has already been car-free on the weekends since this past year, and now two women plan to bring the rest of the cyclovia concept to the drive by organizing a spring festival. Deb Ridgway, Kansas City bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, and Heidi Downer, Parks and Recreation director of marketing, plan to put on the Sunday Parkways festival on May 16.

“It’s very family-oriented,” Ridgway said. “It’s to get people to get out and see their neighbors … get a broader connection in the community.”

Still in the early planning stages, Ridgway and Downer said the festival should be culturally diverse, with elements ranging from bands and dancers performing, to group yoga, hula hoop contests, games of horseshoes, dog-walking and anything other park-related activity.

“It’s about getting people active,” Downer said.

The festival will be the opening event of the annual Kansas City Bike Week. As the city’s bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, Ridgway said her goal is to eventually see Kansas City achieve platinum designation as a bicycle-friendly city.

“These are the types of events we need to sponsor as a city to garner that kind of recognition,” she said.

Eventually, Ridgway said she’d like to see Sunday Parkways expand to multiple events occurring every summer at different boulevards around the city. For this first year, however, there will be just one event.

At this point, Ridgway and Downer are in need of people willing to brainstorm ideas for the festival, offer resources and contacts to make it a success or volunteer to entertain or lead activities during the festival.

To contribute time or ideas, contact Downer at (816) 513-7527 or heidi_downer@kcmo.org.