Guadalajara is not a very friendly cycling city on most days. There is a lot of fast moving traffic and no bike lanes but on Sundays and some holidays that all changes. On Sunday morning (8-2) two major boulevards become the ‘Vía RecreActiva’, a car free zone for pedestrians, bikers,
skaters, and anyone who wants to take over the road. The local government of the city estimated that, as of the last Sunday of the 2014, two hundred and four thousand people had visited the “Via”, using it to do exercise, jogging, biking, skating or walking.
The ‘Vía’ is a free zone that covers approximately 12 miles of streets and avenues in Guadalajara 
(other cities in the metro area have adopted the idea too). The main streets are closed but the side streets are open so when traffic needs to cross a whistle is blown, a ribbon is strung across the lanes and everyone stops for the cars. Sunday morning at the “Via” is not just about cycling. People are walking, jogging and skating as well.
In addition to all the exercise there are various activities offered in different locations scattered along the street. There is musical entertainment, guided tours, free nutritional counseling, and yoga; areas to play chess, checkers and domino; dance classes and more. In the park near our hostel there is an opportunity for young people to try the balance line, hula hoops and aerial silk trapeze. 
We don’t have our bikes with us but no matter, in Guadalajara’s center there is a bike rental program. We were able to get bikes for $5 per day and enjoy riding throughout downtown.
This weekend our bike day got cut short by a huge thunder storm. As everyone ran for cover the streets turned to rivers. Not worry, we took refuge in a nearby bar and barely got wet. I did have to take off my shoes to get home because there was so much water running in the street we had to cross and I didn’t want to ruin my leather sandals.
Travel the World Backpacking 
Hi Tina – What an amazing idea! Closing the main streets for recreation. Your pictures sure bring it to life! We are having major wild fires here in California – one is out of control up at Hume Lake. Brian Bellis lead a ride up there on August 1st – I guess we were lucky to get it in before the fires started up there. Iâm going to send you a few pictures that I took on that ride. By the way, Iâm signed up for another Adventure Cycling Bicycle tour in South Dakota – will be leaving California next Wednesday. Hope the summer fires old off back there. The tour is in the Black Hills out of Rapid City. I am really looking forward to this one. – Have fun done there! – Nancy
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I’m really enjoying posts and travels.
Can’t wait to see where you go next.
Hi Bob, thanks for following us.
Hi Tina! Your post about Bike Day in Guadalajara got me thinking about doing something like that in Clovis. In the past month, various City departments have met and we are creating our version, TrailFest! It will be held April 30, 2016 and will go from the Sierra Vista Mall to Dry Creek Park. Four hours of trail enjoyment with activities, live music, events, food, and fun for all ages at locations throughout the four-mile stretch of trail and at nearby parks. Thanks for spurring the idea and we will let you know how it goes!
Wow, that sounds great. Thank your for letting me know. In Guadalajara the Sundays seem to be a day about health with all kinds of organizations coming out to have booths and offer services. They had the same Sunday event in Mexico City but it was not nearly as popular.
Also, be sure to get the bike club involved. Shawn has the contact information.
Will do!