Check out the 2016 Viva CalleSJ route! Japantown, Willow Glen, Burbank, and more!

The program that brought more than 35,000 residents out and into the streets of San José to walk, bike, skate, and play last year is returning for its second year with a brand new route. This week, the City of San José Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) unveiled the Viva CalleSJ Open Streets program’s 2016 route during Bike-To-Work Day.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, San José residents living in Willow Glen, Japantown, Downtown San José, and the Burbank/West San Carlos neighborhoods may notice a distinct absence of motorized vehicles traveling their streets. For one day, throughout some of San José’s most historic and eclectic neighborhood streets like Lincoln Avenue, West San Carlos Street, and Jackson Street, six miles of roads will be opened to Bay Area residents and closed to cars. Viva CalleSJ participants are encouraged to explore San José like never before by any form of non-motorized transportation. Bike, skate, walk, play – Open Streets San José!

“Open streets is more than just an entertainment and economic opportunity; open streets programs like Viva CalleSJ are a chance for residents to build community through fun,” said PRNS Director Angel Rios, Jr., “Our department is thrilled to be working collaboratively with our partners to bring Viva CalleSJ to San José again and guide the program towards long-term sustainability.”

Program partners are equally inspired to bring this opportunity to San José residents. “We are excited to partner with the City of San José for Viva CalleSJ’s second year of getting people to walk, bike and roll their way to better health,” said Sara H. Cody, MD, Santa Clara County Health Officer and Public Health Director.

“A community that values and encourages bicycling is a healthy community,” said Shiloh Ballard, Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition. “Last year’s tremendous success took thousands of people out of their cars and showed how cycling, walking or skating can be a core component of a healthy and active lifestyle. Now, we’re ready to do it again.”

It seems San José residents are ready for Viva CalleSJ too. A survey of participants from the inaugural event found that 86 percent of responders stated they would “very likely” attend future Viva CalleSJ events. Not only is Viva CalleSJ an experiment in social integration, it’s also an engaging way to receive physical activity, participate in organized activities, and be an active participant in reducing carbon emissions by removing more than 10,000 vehicles from the road during the six-hour program. To receive the latest program updates, follow Viva CalleSJ via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit this website frequently.