Open Streets Macon invites Maconites to reclaim public streets once again this fall. The movement will close the streets to cars and open them to people as part of a greater initiative to create safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. As the Macon community continues to navigate public health concerns related to COVID-19, Open Streets Macon’s event structure continues its format of activating neighborhoods with shorter routes, and has been reformatted to adhere to recommended best practices. Open Streets Macon will be divided into two smaller routes that are aimed at engaging the immediate neighborhood communities located on and around these routes. The event details are as follows:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2021 | NAPIER AVE. (FROM LINDEN AVE. TO PIO NONO AVE.)  | 2-6 PM

In it’s 6th consecutive year, local non-profit Bike Walk Macon will host the initiative. The stretch of streets will be closed to motorized traffic, except for intersections where cars will be free to cross with guidance from crosswalk volunteers to ensure the safety of attendees. There is no registration, and Open Streets Macon is free and open to the public. 

Neighbors from each route and the greater Macon Community are encouraged to lend a helping hand by signing up to volunteer during the event, hosting an activity, or simply joining in on the fun of walking or biking in a car-free street. All attendees are asked to wear a mask and practice physical distancing throughout the afternoon of outdoor activity. 

“Open Streets opens our eyes, our hearts and our minds to the possibility of true mobility - moving through our city using every form of transportation: feet, bikes, cars and mass transit.” says Georgia Supreme Court’s Justice Verda Colvin and Open Streets Macon volunteer. “Open Streets brings people from all communities, economic and racial demographics together so that we can share what we have in common - our hopes and expectations for the city we love,  MACON.”

• Organize an activity on the day - Participants will have the opportunity to take part in free activities, such as sports games, exercise classes, and other health and wellness activities. Open Streets Macon will be seeking business and community partners to provide programming such as yoga, dancing, basketball and child- and senior-friendly activities along the route. 

• Join the volunteer team - In order to make this a safe and enjoyable event for all, Open Streets Macon needs dozens of dedicated volunteers to help bring the streets of Macon to life.

• Donate to a traffic calming project - Bike Walk Macon volunteers will install permanent, creative traffic calming interventions during Open Streets Macon that will improve access and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The interventions will be determined by the residents of the neighborhoods and funded by your donations.

• Become a sponsor - Keep Open Streets Macon financially possible for years and generations to come.

Visit openstreetsmacon.com to learn more, sign up to volunteer, host an activity, and find sponsorship and donation opportunities. For questions or media inquiries, contact Koryn Young at 917-412-4661 or [email protected].