Perfect weather shined on Charlotte’s the 5th Open Streets 704 Sunday, bringing 30,000 people out to ride bikes, scooter, skate, and walk along four-plus miles of car(e) free streets.
“What an amazing day!” said Scott Curry, one of the event organizers. “People of all ages, abilities, races, creeds, and backgrounds participating in the simple joy of open streets – it was truly wonderful.”
This spring’s route, powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, wound its way through neighborhoods just north and east of uptown Charlotte, encompassing NoDa, Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont, Plaza Midwood, and Commonwealth.
At one end, on North Davidson Street at 36th Street, patrons painted bright street murals under the careful watch of artist Osiris Rain. The murals liven up the street where parking spots had been removed, while calming traffic to a safe speed.
“People will hopefully look at this beautiful art and slow down,” said Kate Cavazza of Sustain Charlotte, who helped coordinate the colorful murals across four former parking spots on both sides of the street. “It’s so people can realize the potential of what can actually be in the streets, so it’s a people-friendly space.”
Further down N. Davidson, Charlotte Department of Transportation added a temporary protected bike lane on for two blocks of Parkwood Avenue between Brevard and N. Davidson Streets, to keep patrons safe between the Parkwood light rail station and the route.
Part of Open Streets 704’s mission is to encourage residents to find new ways to get around and see the city like never before. The traffic “demonstration projects,” as they’re called, test out traffic patterns while the streets are closed to cars. Past demonstration projects, like bike lanes in Plaza Midwood and traffic circle murals in Myers Park and Ashbrook, became permanent fixtures in those neighborhoods.
Several bike-focused businesses and clubs welcomed participants on wheels, including on a stretch of Myers Street by the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The Bikin’ Dads bike course was a favorite stop for the little ones, as they tested their skills on two wheels with a variety of off-road obstacles.
Further along in the Family Zone in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood, Southminster Senior Living sponsored trishaws — tricycle rickshaws — to help seniors enjoy the day as part of their “cycling without age” mission. Southminster received a grant for the trishaws, then donated them to Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation after Open Streets 704.
Charlotte B-cycle made bikes available along the route for patrons who didn’t bring their own wheels, and the bright blue bikes filled the course along with kid-sized bikes from the ReCyclery.
Art projects, dance clubs, and several groups dedicated to health and fitness engaged kids and their parents in colorful and healthy activities all afternoon. A three-piece band played at an open mic house party on Thomas Avenue, and Tosco Music Party entertained a crowded Commonwealth Avenue in front of Legion Brewing.
Fans and friends shared their love—and their pics – on social media, too. “This was so much fun!” exclaimed Joanna on the event’s Facebook page. “Great event,” said Robert. “Nothing brings a community together better than @openstreets704…,” added Dan.
After a day of playing in the streets, a tasty collabeeration could be found at Legion and four other breweries along the route. Legion, Birdsong, Heist, Free Range, and Salud Cerveceria brewed a pale ale together just for Open Streets 704, with each brewery adding its own special twist. “Cheers!” to that and another successful Open Streets 704!
