Bogotá's Night Ciclovía: The Secret of the 100 Kilometers Few Know About

Bogotá's Night Ciclovía: The Secret of the 100 Kilometers Few Know About

Did you know that Bogotá has a ciclovía that only appears when the sun goes down? While most people know the traditional Sunday Ciclovía, which attracts millions of people every week, there is a nighttime version that transforms the city into a 100-kilometer circuit of car-free asphalt. It's not a monthly event or a special celebration: it's a date that repeats several times a year and, for those who have experienced it, becomes an obsession.

The first time I rode it, I went with a group of friends who promised me "a different Bogotá." They weren't exaggerating. Pedaling along Avenida Boyacá at midnight, with the illuminated skyline in the background and the silence broken only by the laughter of other cyclists, is an experience that has no comparison to the Sunday madness. Here there are no mango biche vendors or music at full volume: there's a city that breathes differently, more intimate, more ours.

In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know to make the most of Bogotá's Night Ciclovía, including the secret stretches that most people ignore, the logistics to avoid being left stranded, and the places to recharge after the ride. This is what you're missing if you only know the daytime version.

What is the Night Ciclovía and why is it different from the Sunday one?

The Night Ciclovía is an event organized by the Instituto Distrital de Recreación y Deporte (IDRD) that closes Bogotá's main avenues for the exclusive use of cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians, from 6:00 p.m. until approximately midnight. Unlike the Sunday Ciclovía, which operates every Sunday and holiday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the nighttime version is held only a few times a year, usually in December and on special dates like Bogotá's birthday.

The difference is not just the schedule. The atmosphere changes completely. During the day, the Ciclovía is a family event with recreational activities, aerobics classes, and food stalls. At night, the energy is younger and more athletic. You'll see groups of cyclists training at a fast pace, professional skaters practicing technique, and runners taking advantage of the clear asphalt. The vibe is more technical, more focused on sports, although there's also room for those who just want to stroll.

Another key aspect: lighting. The IDRD installs temporary lighting on the darkest stretches, but not on all of them. That's why knowing the best-lit areas makes the difference between a pleasant experience and one full of invisible potholes. In August 2026, the event has improved its signage, but the golden rule remains the same: bring your own lights, front and rear, without exception.

The official route varies by event, but generally covers a circuit that connects the north with the center of the city, passing through main avenues like Carrera Séptima, Avenida Boyacá, Calle 80, and Avenida de las Américas. The full circuit adds up to about 100 kilometers, although you can enter and exit whenever you want, like in the Sunday version.

The hidden route: the least crowded and best-lit stretches

This is where this guide gets interesting. Most people stick to the central stretches like Séptima or Avenida Jiménez, but those of us who know the city know that the best kilometers are in the north, where the asphalt is newer and the public lighting is more consistent.

Avenida Boyacá north: the stretch for those who train seriously

Between Calle 116 and Calle 170, Avenida Boyacá becomes a high-speed circuit. This is where road cycling groups gather to train at night without daytime traffic. Lighting on this stretch is excellent, with light poles every 30 meters, and the asphalt is in good condition, something that can't be said for all the city's roads.

The most popular meeting point is Parque El Country, at Calle 127 with Boyacá. From there, groups head north to Calle 170, where they turn around and come back. This round trip adds up to about 12 kilometers, perfect for a warm-up or for those who want to maintain a steady pace without interruptions.

A curious fact: on this stretch, right in front of Colegio Nueva Granada, there's a point where the avenue makes a slight curve that many cyclists take at high speed. In 2024, a group of local cyclists placed an improvised marker with spray paint to indicate the ideal racing line. Although the IDRD erased it at the next event, veterans of the "Boyacá Nocturno" group still use it as a mental reference.

Calle 116 to 127: the skaters' circuit

If skating is your thing, this is your territory. Calle 116 between Carrera 15 and Avenida Boyacá has a gentle slope that skaters use to practice braking technique and control. Lighting here is intermittent: there are good stretches, but also dark areas near Carrera 19. Bring powerful lights if you plan to ride through this area.

A recommendation given to me by a veteran skater from Club Patinaje Norte: "Don't go down 116 after Carrera 15 towards the east. That part has cobblestones and at night they're a trap." The safe area is from Carrera 15 towards the west, up to Boyacá, where the pavement is smooth and continuous.

The Calle 80 loop: for those who want distance

Calle 80, from Avenida Boyacá to Carrera 68, is a long, straight stretch that endurance cyclists use to rack up kilometers. Lighting is good, although traffic from TransMilenio feeder buses can be a factor even at night. The IDRD closes the mixed lanes, but SITP buses continue operating on some stretches, so you need to stay alert.

This stretch connects to Parque Simón Bolívar, which becomes a strategic rest point. There are public restrooms available during the event and hydration stations that the IDRD sets up every 5 kilometers. It's also the point where many groups regroup before continuing towards the center.

The best-kept secret: Avenida de las Américas towards the west

Most cyclists avoid this stretch for fear of insecurity, but the reality is that during the Night Ciclovía, Avenida de las Américas from Calle 13 to Avenida Boyacá is one of the most heavily monitored stretches of the event. There's a police presence every 500 meters and the lighting is new, installed in 2025 as part of the corridor improvement plan.

What makes this stretch special is the solitude. While in the north there are crowds, here you can pedal for 10 minutes without crossing anyone. It's ideal for those seeking introspection or for couples who want a peaceful ride. That said, bring your phone with battery, because hydration points are scarcer in this area.

Logistics ready: key times, hydration stations, and meeting points

The Night Ciclovía is not an improvised event. It has a logistical structure that, if you know it, will save you headaches. Here's the breakdown:

Key times

• Road opening: 6:00 p.m. sharp. The exclusive lanes are enabled progressively, starting with the main avenues.
• Road closing: Midnight, although lanes are opened to vehicular traffic gradually from 11:30 p.m.
• Best time to start: 7:30 p.m. The initial congestion has dispersed and the temporary lighting is fully operational.
• Worst time: 6:00 p.m. Exactly. Everyone wants to leave at the same time and the entrances get congested.

Hydration stations and services

The IDRD sets up free hydration points every 5 kilometers on the main circuit. At the December 2025 event, there were 42 stations in total. The most reliable fixed points are:

• Parque Simón Bolívar: Entrance on Calle 63. Has water, restrooms, and medical staff.
• Parque El Country: Calle 127 with Boyacá. Water and basic bicycle repair points.
• Portal de la 80: TransMilenio station. Water and restrooms, though it tends to be crowded.
• Plaza de Bolívar: End point of the circuit in the center. Water and recovery activities.

A local tip: the stations in the north (El Country and 170) have shorter lines than those in the center. If you need water, plan your route to pass through those areas.

Meeting points for groups

If you want to join an organized group, these are the most active departure points in August 2026:

• "Boyacá Nocturno" group: Leaves from Parque El Country at 7:00 p.m. Average pace of 25 km/h. Ideal for intermediate cyclists