Day 16: Ciclorecreovía

Our first weekend here, I was really intrigued by the floods of people biking in the street along the river. Yes, in the street. It turns out that Santiago closes down certain streets from 9am to 2pm on Sundays to welcome bikers, pedestrians, runners, and even roller bladers. There's even an area where they teach little kids how to ride bicycles! After witnessing this fun parade of exercising people in the "ciclorecreovía," I knew I wanted to join.

But, I then remembered I don't have a bike here...

Lucky enough, a dockless bike sharing system is highly prevalent in our neighborhood of Santiago. After downloading the Mobike app, you simply create an account and load money. Then, you approach a parked, locked Mobike and scan the QR code on the handlebars. This electronically unlocks the bike and you're free to ride. Once finished with your ride, you can park it anywhere within the operating region, simply toggling a physical switch on the rear of the bike to lock it. This ends your ride in the app, and you can see how long you rode for as well as how much it costs. I didn't know any of this before trying it out, so I definitely looked like a fool as I tried to figure out how to park the bike and end the ride.

Now that I got the app, I've been noticing the bikes more and more. There are many, many bikes parked around our neighborhood and you can just hop on whenever and ride. Come this Sunday, I knew it was the time to finally download the app and join the parade of people in the wide open streets.

I had walked with Ava to meet An at La Vega, an enormous produce market about 2 miles from our apartment. From there, they went on to Plaza de Armas and the Precolumbian Art Museum. I walked back until I found a bike parked and then proceeded to hop on and ride in the closed down street along with tons of residents young and old.

It was really hot out, and I was sweating. But riding the bike was so much fun! It felt great to have the wind breeze by as I cycled in the smooth street beside the river decorated with graffiti on its walls. Also, I passed by pretty parks with fountains and greenery.

Although I'd been using the bicycle as a means to get home more quickly, I was having enough fun to bike past our neighborhood. I was super thirsty, though, as I'd finished the contents of my water bottle. Miraculously, just then I looked up and saw a red tent handing out ice cold bottles of water to promote their app. I swiftly grabbed a bottle, downed it all, and biked back home, feeling refreshed and content. My instincts to get myself a bike and participate in this community activity definitely were for the best. As I biked alongside the locals, it really made me appreciate the city of Santiago even more.

Passing through the parks here, you see people stretched out on the grass and benches, just enjoying their time relaxing outdoors. Granted, it is summer. But the fact that people really appreciate their leisure time and enjoy spending it outside really speaks to me. Santiago is a beautiful city, from the lovely nature to the friendly people. I chose to write about this Sunday tradition a) because I had fun biking! and b) because I think it is a wonderful example of what Santiago values. A simple act like closing down the streets for a few hours brings all sorts of people into the outdoors to socialize, exercise, and spend time together in a simple show of community.