Tucsonans have come to love Cyclovia Tucson, the biannual “open streets” event organized by the nonprofit organization, Living Streets Alliance (LSA). The event—also known as “Arizona’s biggest block party”—is a way for different neighborhoods to enjoy their streets free of cars, boost locally owned businesses in the area and bring together community members who may not otherwise cross paths in their everyday lives.

With typical Cyclovia Tucson attendance reaching 50,000 people or more, the organization has set a goal to launch a mini-open streets program so that open streets events can take place more regularly in more parts of the city. Thanks to an AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant award, the program will get off the ground this fall.

Through the grant, LSA will pilot an inaugural Cyclovita event in the 85705 zip code this November, with an emphasis on engaging neighbors aged 50+. They’ll also develop a Cyclovita Toolkit—a manual and resources to aid motivated community members in organizing their own open streets events.