On Friday, May 4th, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization held its 22nd Annual Walk and Roll Rally at Main Plaza to celebrate the benefits of active forms of transportation for our community’s health, economy, environment, equity, and quality of life. Despite the rainy forecast, close to 250 people gathered at 8:00 a.m. for this yearly pop-up event to celebrate sustainable forms of transportation. Now that’s dedication! The event was filled with good music, fun contests, free breakfast tacos, and most importantly, lots of information and resources geared towards active transportation in the Alamo Area.
Host Randy Beamer with News 4 San Antonio and City of San Antonio District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales kicked off the event in front of the beautiful San Fernando Cathedral with some opening remarks about the importance of active transportation to our community. A regular cyclist herself, Councilwoman Gonzales celebrated the progress being made in the region to make walking and wheeling safer, easier, and more comfortable.
Guests had the opportunity to visit informational booths to learn more about active transportation projects, initiatives, and resources in the region. For instance, the San Antonio River Authority was there to talk about the brand new San Pedro Creek Culture Park opening in downtown. Britton’s Bicycle Shop displayed some neat accessories to help you stay visible while walking or biking. The South Texas Off Road Mountain-Bikers (STORM) were also present to share information on family-friendly rides and trail maintenance. The list goes on. The Walk & Roll Rally had something for everyone, and even our most seasoned attendees could learn something new.
Photo courtesy of Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
But the Walk & Roll Rally isn’t just educational – it’s also tons of fun! Mayra Garza got the blood flowing with a Selena Zumba demonstration, and even Councilwoman Gonzales jumped in! Randy Beamer tested our transportation knowledge with a Tricentennial Trivia Contest (do you know how many miles of streetcar there used to be in San Antonio?). Over a hundred people ventured to guess how many gumballs were stuffed in a giant container (can you walk and chew gum at the same time?), and one lucky winner received a $100 iTunes gift card. Lastly, friends, family, and colleagues enjoyed showing us their favorite mode of transportation at the Walk & Roll Photo Station. No selfie stick needed!
If you missed the Walk & Roll Rally this year, don’t worry! There’s always next year. In the meantime, check out the other events going on this month (Bike to Work Day, anyone?) here. You can also reach out to Alex Carroll, the Alamo Area MPO’s Active Transportation Planner, at carroll@alamoareampo.org to find out how to stay involved.
