The streets will be shut down to motorized traffic along North Highland Avenue from 2-6p, this Sunday, May 20ith. The 2 miles stretch of roadway will be closed to cars but open to feet, bikes, and skateboards. Atlanta Streets Aliveis inspired by the open streets projects all over the world. The idea is to let people take over a public space – city streets – and open them up to play, walk, bike, breathe, and make your own fun. Highland Avenue runs through the heart of Atlanta, so this event will link five neighborhoods, including Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Atkins Park, and Virginia Highland. Streets closures are from Virginia Avenue to Corley Street (near Freedom Parkway). The route was chosen because of its high bicycle crash rate, the second highest next to Ponce de Leon.
As the website says: This is not your typical festival. Expect a blend of outdoor activitiessuch as cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, hula-hooping, yoga, kickboxing, and boot camps to more cultural activities such as “theatre on the move”, various a cappella groups, marching bands, choirs and bicycle art. There will be street food vendors in addition to the existing restaurants in each neighborhood.
The idea originated in Bogotá, Colombia, where neighborhood activists have opened 70 miles of streets every Sunday. The vision of Atlanta Streets Alive is to encourage Atlanta to develop living streets — streets that appeal to pedestrians, bikers, businesses and neighbors. Streets are publicly owned assets but on most days are used mainly by cars. On this day, people regain ownership of the streets. The past four Atlanta Streets Alive events have attracted on average 3,400 people, but the goal this year is to attract 10,000 people.
Consider carpooling and public transportation to get to this event.
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