SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio is getting ready to host its second Siclovia, an outdoor event where streets are closed for biking and other activities.
The head of Metro Health promotes that kind of fitness and puts his money where his mouth is.
Dr. Thomas Schlenker is fairly new to San Antonio. He came here from Wisconsin. He likes the weather and he loves the morning commute.
The county’s top doc doesn’t have to gas up to get to work. The new director of Metro Health just hops on his bike and pedals the ten minutes or so it takes for him to get from his home in King William to his office downtown.
“The way I prefer to see the city and the community that actually I’m responsible for is by bike,” Schlenker said. “It’s one of the most beautiful commutes I can imagine. Almost all of it is on the San Antonio River."
Schlenker, a 61-year-old pediatrician and public health authority, encourages people to take advantage of Siclovia. It’s a weekend recreation event where families can bike without car interference. They can also take part in everything from rock wall climbing to hula hoops.
Siclovia was a huge success in October 2011 with 15,000 people showing up. More are expected in March.
“It’s just taking a city street, Broadway, and reimagining it without cars. It’s just a thrill that unless you’ve tried it, you don’t really know what it feels like. It’s so much fun. There’s so much activity.”
Schlenker admits San Antonio might not be a true bike-friendly city yet, but, he says he’s “optimistic” about the future.
The next Siclovia comes back to San Antonio streets on Sunday, March 4, 2012.
