What is the Night Ciclovía and why is it a unique event in the world
Imagine pedaling down the middle of Avenida Séptima on a Thursday at 9 p.m., without a single car, with the fresh air of the hills and the city lit up from end to end. That is Bogotá's Night Ciclovía: an event organized by the IDRD (District Institute of Recreation and Sport) where the city's main roads are closed exclusively for bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, and pedestrians. It is not a monthly event or a celebration of just any holiday: it happens a couple of times a year, usually in August, and brings together hundreds of thousands of people. In the most recent edition, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, 94 kilometers of roads were enabled between 6:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
What makes this event unique is its magnitude: it is not a closed street in a neighborhood; it is the entire city transformed into a linear nighttime park. Whole families come out with their bikes, groups of friends meet at the recreational stations, and there are even food stalls set up along the bike path. If you have never been, you are missing out on one of the most Bogotá experiences that exist.
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Before heading out, keep in mind that not the entire city is enabled. The traditional corridors that always open are carrera Séptima (from downtown to Calle 72), Avenida Boyacá, calle 116, and Avenida Calle 26. But each edition adds or removes sections, so the first thing to do is check the official map published by the IDRD a few days before the event. In September 2026, for example, the regular Sunday edition continues to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but the night one is a separate event with its own logistics.
If you don't have a bike, there are several options. Bogotá's public shared bicycle system, known as Tembici (formerly "BiciBogotá"), usually has stations near the main corridors, although they run out quickly during peak event hours. There are also rental shops in La Candelaria and Chapinero that offer mountain or urban bikes by the hour. Another option is to bring your own bike on the SITP or TransMilenio: it is allowed to take it on buses, but only during low-demand hours and on weekends. For the night event, many users prefer to ride from their homes to the meeting point.
Route 1: The classic circuit along Séptima
This is the route everyone knows and the one that is best lit. It starts at Parque de los Periodistas, at Calle 36 with Séptima, and goes up to Calle 72. It's about 4 kilometers one way that you can do in 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, but the good part is stopping.
Along the way, you'll find Plaza de Bolívar (if coming from the south), Parque Santander, and the Zona G on Calle 70. During the Night Ciclovía, Séptima fills with street vendors with lanterns on their carts offering everything from coffee with bread to meat skewers. A good spot to rest is Parque de la 93, although it is not directly on Séptima; if you detour a few blocks along Calle 93 towards Carrera 15, you'll reach an area with plenty of fast-food options and public restrooms in nearby shopping centers.
Route 2: The western route
If you're looking for a longer route with fewer crowds, Avenida Boyacá is your option. This corridor connects the north with the west and takes you to Parque Simón Bolívar, the city's lung. The advantage is that the road is wide, with separate bike lanes in some sections, and lighting is good for most of the route.
The ideal plan is to enter Boyacá from Calle 26 or from 134, depending on where you're coming from, and ride to Calle 85, where the gastropub area begins. There you can get off your bike and walk a bit: there's everything from artisan burgers to Peruvian food, but keep in mind that restaurants with terraces fill up quickly during the event. If you prefer something more budget-friendly, in the parks bordering Boyacá (like Parque El Lago), stalls selling empanadas and oat drink are set up and operate until midnight.
Route 3: The hills ring
For those who want panoramic views, this is the hidden gem. Avenida Circunvalar is not always enabled during the Night Ciclovía, but when it is, it's a spectacle. It climbs from Calle 26 to Parque Nacional (Calle 36), and from there you can see the entire city lit up. It's a challenging climb, so if you're not used to pedaling on slopes, take it easy and bring water.
Parque Nacional is the classic meeting point for more experienced cyclists. Stages with live music and recreational activities are often set up there. From the park, you can head down Carrera 7 towards downtown or return along Circunvalar to Calle 60, where you connect with Zona G. Note: this route has fewer food stalls than Séptima, so bring a snack or plan your stop at Parque Nacional.
Safety at night
Bogotá at night has its codes, and the Night Ciclovía is no exception. The good news is that during the event, there is a presence of the National Police and the Ministry of Mobility at major intersections, as well as hydration and mechanical assistance points organized by the IDRD. Even so, apply common sense:
- Use front and rear lights on your bike. It's not optional; it's mandatory and makes you visible.
- Carry your ID and some cash, but don't show your phone during long stops. If you need to check the map, go into an establishment or do it quickly.
- Don't stray from large groups. Main roads are safe, but side streets can be dark and empty.
- Identify assistance points before heading out. The IDRD publishes a map with care stations, which are usually in the largest parks like Simón Bolívar or Parque Nacional.
- If you're going to have a drink at the gastropubs, don't overdo it. Cycling under the influence is dangerous and can result in a fine.
Updated costs
The Night Ciclovía is completely free. You don't pay for entry or for using the corridors. What does have a cost is transportation and food:
- Bicycle rental: between $15,000 and $30,000 COP per hour at private shops in Chapinero or La Candelaria. If you use Tembici, the minute costs around $200 COP with a daily plan.
- Street food: an arepa with cheese or a portion of empanadas is between $5,000 and $10,000 COP. A coffee or an oat drink, between $2,500 and $5,000 COP.
- Restaurants in Zona G or Calle 85: main courses from $25,000 COP onwards. Reference prices from September 2026, subject to change.
- Bike parking: if you arrive on your own bike and want to leave it while you walk, some private parking lots charge $3,000 COP per night.
Estimated times
The official event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., but people start arriving at 5:30 p.m. to get a good spot at the recreational stations. The corridors close to vehicular traffic from 5:30 p.m. and open gradually after midnight. If you want to avoid the crowds at 7:00 p.m., head out at 8:00 p.m. or after 10:00 p.m., when the flow decreases a bit.
In terms of the route, the full Séptima (from south to north) can take you 45 minutes pedaling non-stop, but with stops at parks and food stalls, budget 2 hours. The Boyacá route is longer: from Calle 26 to Simón Bolívar is about 5 kilometers, and if you continue to 85, another 3 kilometers
Practical tips
1. Bring lights and reflectors: Although the Night Ciclovía is a magical experience, it is crucial that your bicycle is equipped with front and rear lights. This not only makes you visible to other cyclists and pedestrians, but it is also a requirement for riding in the city at night.
2. Recommended routes: Avenida Séptima is famous for its width and beauty, but don't limit yourself to it. Explore the route from Plaza de Bolívar towards Parque de la 93, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and several cafés that stay open.
3. Safety first: It is advisable to cycle in a group. Safety is key, so if you can, be part of a group of cyclists or join one of the organizations that often organize night rides. This is not only safer, but it's also a great way to meet people.
4. Enjoy the local gastronomy: Make a stop at an iconic place like La Candelaria, where you can try a delicious Ajiaco at one of the restaurants that stay open late. It's a good time to recharge and enjoy the local culture.
5. Dress appropriately: Nights in Bogotá can be cold, so wear appropriate clothing and consider bringing a light vest or jacket. Also, wear comfortable clothes that allow you to pedal without restrictions.
6. Respect traffic rules: Even though the Ciclovía is closed to vehicles, it's important to follow traffic rules and signs. Remember that you should be a good example for other cyclists and pedestrians.
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