DC Open Streets Event, Georgia Avenue NW: Saturday October 5th

While it isn't the first attempt at an Open Streets event, and I think it's a mistake to do it by closing the city's #1 ridership bus line (although it effects 9 lines in total), and that it'd be better to do this elsewhere, it's good that DC is moving forward with sustainable mobility related street closure events.

-- "Temporary Detour: Open Streets DC, October 5," WMATA/Metrobus


The intersection of Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues NW.

From "One of D.C.’s busiest streets will be turned into a car-free experiment Saturday: For four hours, nearly three miles of Georgia Avenue NW will be a car-free zone," Washington Post:

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) described Saturday’s event as an opportunity “to reimagine public roads as community spaces.” Her administration has hinted at the prospect of eventually creating permanent car-free zones across the city.

“Together, at a fun, family-friendly event, we can explore the benefits of having fewer cars on our roads,” Bowser said when she announced the event this summer.

The District has already taken steps to discourage car use and encourage walking, biking and scooter use. It has turned space from travel lanes into bike and bus lanes, and it has removed parking spaces and raised fees, actions that have drawn backlash from some drivers, businesses and residents. But others say the District has been too slow to follow major cities that are opening streets to people by closing them to vehicles.

Edinburgh, Scotland, this year began closing a number of streets to motorized vehicles one Sunday a month to allow the public to enjoy the historic area on foot or bike. Paris, which has also experimented with car-free Sundays, has pushed for creating car-free zones and last month held a citywide car-free day. Barcelona has made headlines with its reorganization of some streets into superblocks, creating pedestrian-centric neighborhoods with playgrounds at intersections.

New York City on Thursday banned most cars from 14th Street, one of Manhattan’s busiest crosstown routes, to essentially create a busway. Buses and delivery trucks are still allowed, and a greater share of the road is available for use by pedestrians.

In the District, Saturday’s event will feel like a street festival with people walking, bicycling, roller-skating, doing yoga and dancing. Some bike groups are planning rides from various points of the city to the event, and Capital Bikeshare will be offering free rides.

Although I have suggested in the past that it should have be done with Massachusetts Avenue NW, and now I'd say, 17th Street NW would be a good place too ("about making 17th Street between P and R a pedestrian space on weekends").

From email:

We invite you to join us for the first Open Streets event in the District of Columbia hosted by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Three miles along Georgia Avenue NW (Barry Pl NW to Missouri Ave NW) will be closed to traffic and filled with fun activities for all ages and abilities including various fitness classes, demonstrations, bike clinics, children's activities and more. Participants are encouraged to walk, bike, ride a scooter, bring your family and furry friends, enjoy the streets and explore the local businesses along the route.

Open Streets DC

Saturday, October 5, 2019

10:00 AM

Georgia Ave. NW between Barry Pl. NW and Missouri Ave. NW

The event is happening rain or shine! RSVP with the link below.