LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB) -- Hundreds of cyclists, walkers and runners flooded Bardstown Road Sunday as the city shut down a stretch of the road for cycLOUvia - an effort to promote a more pedestrian and bike-friendly environment.
The event is modeled after similar events in the U.S. and South America. The road was shut down to promote local businesses and healthy lifestyle.
Mike King, with Louisville Metro Goverment's Economic Growth and Innovation department, said the city earned $3,000 through an online "kickstarter" campaign to help pay for the police presence, which blocked traffic but allowed a few cars to pass at Eastern Parkway and Grinstead Drive.
There were a few traffic backups from drivers trying to cross the road.
"Some people might get upset about today, but I'm loving every minute of it. Thank you," said David Hood, an avid unicyclist.
Hood, 44, road back and forth along Bardstown Road on a 54-inch tire for his unicycle, a sport he took up at the age of 10.
"It was interesting when we first told (the business owners) we'd shut down Bardstown Road, their jaws hit the floor. But they thought about it and it's been really successful," said King.
City workers took surveys Sunday to see if there were any problems. The event is expected to return.
