An Assessment of the Viva CalleSJ Event in San Jose

This report evaluates the Viva CalleSJ event held in San Jose, California, on September 8, 2024. As a celebrated open-streets initiative, Viva CalleSJ temporarily transformed six miles of city streets into car-free zones to encourage active transportation, foster community engagement, and support local businesses. This assessment employed a mixed-methods approach, including participant surveys, interviews with stakeholders, and observational analysis. Key findings highlighted the event’s success in attracting a diverse audience, promoting physical activity, and driving economic benefits. Over 50% of attendees arrived by bicycle, and 77.7% planned to spend money at the event, averaging $54.23 per participant. Community-building impacts were significant, with 76% of participants feeling more connected to their community and 80.4% discovering local businesses. The report concludes with actionable recommendations to maximize the social, economic, and environmental benefits of future Viva CalleSJ events while advancing San Jose’s mobility and community goals.