View Spokane Summer Parkways/South Hill Preliminary Course in a larger map

Summer is here and I can't think of a better way to get things started than Summer Parkways, which kicks off on tonight from 6-9pm in the Comstock/Manito Neighborhood. (The idea is based off ciclovías – Spanish for “cycle way” or “bike path”- an event in Bogotá where 70 miles of streets close for automobiles and open for people powered transit on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

The more participation, the more the powerful message will be sent that modal shifts from driving to walking and bicycling are a key carbon mitigation strategy. To me, the event is all about empowering people powered transit. Many trips are made by automobile because our streets are dangerous or unpleasant to walk and bike. In fact, a national survey found that bike lanes were available for less than five percent of bicycle trips, and more than one-quarter of pedestrian trips were taking place on roads with neither sidewalks nor shoulders . Other surveys have found that a lack of sidewalks and safe places to bike are a primary reason people give when asked why they don’t walk or bicycle more. 

The streets are closed for Summer Parkways making it safe and fun.  Events like this highlight the need for for Americans to drive less and use our streets to get around more easily on foot and bike. The potential to shift trips to lower-carbon modes is undeniable: The 2001 National Household Transportation Survey finds that 50% of all trips in metropolitan areas are three miles or less and 28% of all metropolitan trips are one mile or less – distances easily traversed by foot or bicycle.  Yet 65 percent of trips under one mile are now made by automobile, in part because of unsafe streets.

 

In case you missed it last year, Summer Parkways connects neighborhoods and people: walkers, runners, bikers, seniors, adults, and children can enjoy car-free streets filled with a variety of activities along the route. And it's all free. It's a bit different from the first go-around in 2010, by expanding it to include three different neighborhoods, including the first night-time event:

Wednesday, June 22, 6-9 PM- Comstock/Manito Neighborhood (map)

Sunday, July 24, 10AM-2PM- North Hill Neighborhood (map)

Sunday, August 14, 10 AM-2PM- Northwest Neighborhood (map)

Check out the Summer Parkways site to learn more and on Facebook. I volunteered last year and it was a wonderful event. Also, check  the below clips for information about vendors and exhibitors. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit http://summerparkways.com/volunteer-opportunities/ and sign up to set up or break down the course, direct traffic, assist vendors, help with recycling, or provide information to participants.

 

---

---