Open Streets Macon Returns this Sunday
Friday, September 10th, 2021
Open Streets Macon, an initiative of Bike Walk Macon, will return with a new route on Boulevard on Sunday, September 12th, 2021 from 2 pm to 6 pm. The route will begin at the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail entrance at Glenridge Drive and continue via Parkview Drive, Curry Drive, and Boulevard and end at Clinton Road. Nearby featured neighborhoods and points of interest connecting to this route include the North Highlands and Shirley Hills neighborhoods, Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, Jackson Springs Park, and Dr. William Green Lee Camellia Garden.
People traffic will replace car traffic as 1.2 miles of streets will 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 is one of two in 2021 and will be followed up with a second initiative on Napier Ave. on Sunday, October 24th, 2021.
In addition to activating the street, Open Streets Macon will simultaneously serve as an initiative to permanently improve Boulevard for pedestrians and bicyclists. Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification will assist with cleaning the streets and sidewalks along with dozens of volunteers from the neighborhood and Mercer University on September 12th. A traffic-calming project funded by donations will be installed later this fall based on feedback from residents of the immediate area.
Open Streets Macon welcomes the entire community to explore the route and connect with neighbors along the route. Attendees can hop on the route at any point – there is no start or end – and experience Open Streets Macon at their own pace. More than twenty local organizations and businesses will offer participatory experiences along the route and in activity hubs located at Parkview Dr., Laurel Ave., and Briarcliff Rd. Some of the highlighted free activities include yoga by Sparks Yoga, music entertainment by Big Weight Entertainment and DJ Kris, and drum performances by Streetline Percussion. A full list of activities can be found at www.openstreetsmacon.com/boulevard.
“Open Streets Macon provides opportunities for our kids to showcase their talents within selected neighborhoods, in which a few of our members reside. “ says Streetline Founder and Director, Cedavean Waller. “It’s opportunities like Open Streets that bring awareness of social safety, family fun activities, and comradery from various organizations.”
The Open Streets Macon initiative 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.
Here are some things you need to know before Open Streets Macon:
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It’s FREE and open to people of all ages and abilities.
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It’s not a race and you don’t need a bike to participate. You can walk or skate to your heart’s content.
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There’s no beginning or end. Start and end anywhere!
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The flow of participants goes both ways, just like regular traffic.
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Open Streets Macon will kick off with a Bike Parade at 2:00 pm. If you would like to participate in the Bike Parade, meet at the intersection of Briarcliff Dr. and Boulevard at 2:00 pm. There will be free bike decorating.
Open Streets Macon is organized by Bike Walk Macon and supported by a diverse range of public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders. Our 2021 Open Streets Macon sponsors, including Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification, AARP Georgia, Apparel Authority, and Grand Opera House, make this initiative possible.
“As people age, many become less comfortable with the driving experience because of high speeds, congestion, and the aggressive nature of other drivers. What better way to promote alternative means of transportation, while also embracing the energy and uniqueness of community, than with Open Streets.” says Alice Bennett, Esq, AARP Associate State Director. “As a part of the AARP and World Health Organizations Livable Communities Initiative, we are happy to come alongside the city to support and celebrate the work you do toward promoting safe streets for everybody.”
Find more information about the program and learn how to get involved at www.openstreetsmacon.com and follow the event on Facebook (Open Streets Macon).
