When: Thursday, October 18, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, 8A

Searching for answers to endemic diabetes, heart disease, asthma and obesity, New York's public health community is looking to Bogotá, Colombia. They have invited Bogotá's former Parks Commissioner, Guillermo Peñalosa, to show how that city's Ciclovía could be implemented here in New York. Every Sunday in Bogotá, Ciclovía closes 70 miles of major roadways to cars and opens them up to people, bringing 1.5 million onto the streets to walk, bike and exercise – and New Yorkers concerned with public health are watching closely.

"The neighborhoods suffering the worst asthma, obesity and diabetes are cut off from parks and open space by oppressive car traffic," says Karla Quintero of Transportation Alternatives. "Closing major parts of the City to cars would get millions of New Yorkers on their bikes and feet, and combat this public health crisis."

The event is sponsored by Transportation Alternatives, Harlem Community Development Corporation, Project for Public Spaces and the NYC Food & Fitness Partnership.