By Reney Aragon RBV Intern
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the streets of Historic Downtown Vista transformed into a vibrant car-free zone for the second annual Cyclovia Vista, celebrating the upcoming Clean Air Day on October 1st. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., East Broadway was filled with families, cyclists, and pedestrians who came together to enjoy a day of movement, sustainability, and community connection.
Cyclovia, which means “cycleway” in Spanish, is a worldwide movement where city streets are temporarily closed to cars and opened for biking, walking, skating, and other forms of active transportation. Vista’s celebration emphasized clean air, sustainability, and supporting local businesses, all while offering families a new way to enjoy the city.
This year’s event featured over a dozen booths, each offering resources, demonstrations, or family-friendly activities. Bike Coalition staff taught kids safe riding skills along with an obstacle course and gave them tips for sharing the road with cars. EDCO Waste & Recycling shared sustainable practices, including water conservation and effective composting. They educated attendees on how to properly dispose of household waste and improve recycling habits.
Many more bike safety booths were set up to encourage e-bike safety and education, On Point E-bikes Repair and Build alongside the Electric Bike Academy, focusing on sharing methods of safety for the ever growing population of young teenagers that have become quite mobile on their rides to school and other everyday activities.
Ed Kajioka, owner of Ed’s Bike and Repair Shop, also offered quite a variety of knowledge in bikes in a very lively conversation with my father about their own history of bikes while growing up. It seemed to come full circle in how bicycles have evolved and continued to take part of the lives of many young people, contributing to their memories and impacting them even years later.
Public safety and preparedness were also a major focus. Vista Fire Department set up a booth to teach fire prevention strategies and promote community safety programs. The Clean Energy Alliance provided information about energy efficiency and the influx of electricity used during harsh winter and summer months, therefore suggesting tips to help save and cut back on excessive usage, encouraging residents to consider renewable energy options.
Families continued to enjoy interactive experiences throughout the day. A booth run by Vista Community Clinic gave out wellness resources and more road safety information, while the City Of Vista booth hosted a scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, gave away free helmets, and hosted ride-alongs for families around the city. Families played other games at interactive booths, and community groups provided music and demonstrations to keep the atmosphere lively.
Cyclovia Vista succeeded in creating a space where neighbors could walk, bike, and skate freely while learning about ways to live more sustainably and stay safe. The event celebrated local businesses, promoted active lifestyles, and reminded the community of the power of reclaiming streets for people rather than cars. As Cyclovia continues to grow in popularity across Southern California, Vista’s version has quickly become a signature event for the city, one that shows how sustainability, health, and local pride can all come together in the heart of downtown
