In this second
Open Streets event, a pop up demonstration by Local Motion shows how riders feel safer with a barrier as buffer between themselves and traffic. In this instance an existing bike lane only needs some kind of movable impediment, like a cement curb-like structure, similar to those used on Montreal bike lanes.
Another example: swap curbside automobile parking with bike lane to allow cyclists safer navigation.
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| A youngster plays red light, green light bean bag toss. |
3 miles of public roads were closed to allow walkers and cyclists a chance to experience car-free streets. There were several exhibitors: schools, Red Cross, bike shops offering free wrenching service, produce stands, a park full of giant checkers and Junga blocks to play. There was free coffee, pop corn, slalom courses set up to have fun testing bike handling skills.
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| Do you know your bicycle hand signals? |
Under threat of stormy-looking skies, families still mobilized and took advantage of what several booths had to offer for games free apples, and swag. The Red Cross handed out popular stuffed dogs.
Cyclists of all ages enjoyed the event.
Stylish young riders followed parents.
Young couples towed children in trailers.
I was mesmerized with spray chalk. What bright colors!
Some hardy folks tested their metal on Gold Sprints.
I'm glad the weather held so everyone could enjoy
Open Streets BTV!
Okay, first, to get my "spazy" moments out of the way... 1) I LOVE spray chalk! But, then again, I love most materials that spray (I think I missed my calling as a graffiti artist - though I suppose there's still time). 2) I saw the hand signals board and thought, "Um, those aren't the right hand signals," and then realized it was a game for people to find out if they know the correct signals. Whew. Thought I was losing it for a second. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool event this is... if only more cities had these types of happenings to educate the public and increase awareness. We are actually losing protected bike lanes today in a neighboring city. After putting in "experimental" protected bike lanes just a few weeks ago, it's already been decided that one of these is causing too much trouble for motorists. Such a shame to see a protected bike lane go - and kind of shocking as it wasn't easy it seems to get them up in the first place. I suppose we'll see what comes of it, but I hope that others are seeing more of these types of lanes available in their cities.
More initiatives must be made to ensure the safety of cyclists on the road, and to generate more awareness about the benefits of cycling. I hope more people (from young children to our elderly citizens) realize this and join the advocacy.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, this seemed like a great event. Informational and fun, that's how it should be!
Looks like a neat event.
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