Sunday Parkways is a transportation and active living event patterned after Ciclovias, an event that first became successful in South America. Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. the city of Bogota, Colombia closes 70 miles of major roads so that people can bike, roller blade, run and stroll without traffic. The Ciclovia has become a major community activity with 1.5 million people enjoying the traffic-free boulevards on an average weekend. Another term for this concept is “Sunday Parkways”, and they’re coming to Portland this summer. The City of Portland has put together two Town Hall meetings for neighbors to learn more about the event which will come to our area (thought not through Woodlawn).
| Wednesday, February 6, 2008 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Kaiser Town Hall 3704 N. Interstate Avenue 2nd floor ballroom |
Thursday, February 7, 2008 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Chief Joseph Elementary School 2409 N. Saratoga cafeteria |
VIDEO
The Portland Event
Portland’s vision is to hold a Sunday Parkways event on Sunday, June 22, 2008. The proposed route would close six miles of local streets in north Portland from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., linking parks and great places to walk and ride bicycles. The circular route will create opportunities for Portlanders to get out and be active right in their own neighborhood. Participants can walk, bike, run, stroll, and roller blade along the route to activities in the parks as well as to nearby shops and businesses in the vicinity.
Why?
The City of Portland says Sunday Parkways is a perfect match for Portland as it highlights Portland as a walkable and bikeable city. Cities around the country have come to expect Portland to lead with smart ideas and innovation. The City says North Portland is an ideal place to start connecting neighborhoods by bringing people together with healthy activities. This part of the city has several parks but little space where families can walk, bike, and spend time together in a traffic-free environment. Health, transportation, recreation, community and safety interests all benefit from a strong partnership implementing Sunday Parkways.
Partners
The City of Portland Office of Transportation and Portland Parks & Recreation are leading the effort for Sunday Parkways. There are many other organizations and businesses working on the event. See the website for a full list.
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I am stoked about this. My kids and I like to walk around and some days I am amazed at how fast cars go down Durham. I know this event won’t solve that problem (what will?!?!?) but it will be wonderful to have a place for us to walk or ride bikes and have it be in the street but safer and sponsored by the city.