Open Streets Macon returns Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 2 pm to 6 pm. Maconites will be treated to 1.5 miles of car-free streets from the Washington Memorial Library to A. L. Miller Village.  People traffic will replace car traffic, as sections of College St. and Montpelier Ave. become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic and ethnic backgrounds can get active and connect with their community and each other. The new route will take participants through Mercer Village, adding food and beverage options to this year’s program.

Open Streets Macon is inspired by a world-class program proven to positively impact healthy behavior by repurposing existing public streets and providing access to free recreation space. Major global cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Mexico City, have launched open streets programs in recent years. In 2016, more than 1200 people attended the first-ever Open Streets Macon.

“As we work to become a more walkable, bikeable community, events like Open Streets Macon show people what can be possible…what can be done…to bring us into the 21st century of city living,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “I am delighted to see the return of Open Streets Macon, and I know it will have just as much – and more – success connecting our community in a way that promotes healthy living.”

“Open Streets Macon has seen tremendous support from both the city and the community,” said Rachel Hollar, Executive Director of Bike Walk Macon. “This second Open Streets program is an important step towards our vision of a truly expansive community-oriented program that promotes healthy living and active transportation improvements, accessible to everyone who lives in and around Macon.”

‘Activity Hubs’ of complementary programming will be placed throughout the route. To become a supporting activity partner, local individuals, businesses, and organizations are invited to complete an expression of interest form at www.bikewalkmacon.com/openstreetsmacon. These activities must be free, participatory, and promote active, healthy living and/or community engagement. The application deadline is May 1, 2017.