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Background: Open Streets initiatives have allowed for physical activity (PA) in cities worldwide. However, few studies have evaluated the use of small Open Streets in low- and middle-income countries, such as those in Latin America. Thus, this study aimed to describe participation and PA level of users in the Recreovia program in Bucaramanga, Colombia., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 5 Sundays from September to November 2017. Recreovia use was evaluated at 4 strategic points according to street accessibility (2 points) and aerobics class areas (2 points), using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities., Results: A total of 38,577 observations were made (34,969 on streets and 3608 in aerobics class areas). Men (63%) and adults (62%), with moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) (98%) were observed on streets. The most common PAs were biking (50%), walking/dog walking (36%), and jogging (9%). In aerobics class areas, the most common groups were female (65%) and adults (89%). Participants were engaged in moderate to vigorous PA (91%)., Conclusion: Measurement of number of participants at moderate to vigorous levels of PA was high. A difference between sexes and age in these street and aerobic class area groups was also observed.

Ciclovia, also known as Open Streets initiatives in other countries, are city streets that are closed to motorized traffic and opened during certain times to residents for engaging in physical activity (PA). These initiatives are viewed by policy makers and health and community advocates as being beneficial to social, environmental, and community health. This study explores the geographic distribution of Ciclovia and Recreovia and the differences in geographic access assessed via distance-based measures, based on the socioeconomic status (SES) of the area. Results from this study show that the median distance to the Ciclovia according to SES ranges from 2930 m for SES 1 (most disadvantaged) to 482 m for SES 6 (wealthiest). The median distance to the Recreovia sites ranges from 5173 m for SES 1 to 3869 m for SES 6. This study found revealing urban inequities in the distribution of Ciclovia, whereas there was less inequalities within the Recreovia sites. This study shows that urban interventions are needed to promote recreational activity and reduce health disparities in under resourced, low SES areas.