People Park(ed) Cars, Promoting Positive Payoffs
September 22, 2010
The sounds of silence were heard near Stony Plain Road as traffic noise quieted on International Car Free Day. Cars were Park(ed) at home while Edmontonians explored environmentally-friendly transportation methods and activities.
Walking, bicycling, roller-blading, skateboarding and other modes of transportation kept the avenue busy along with several family-friendly activities such as Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi and face painting.
An ETS bus with a bike rack was on hand to let people practice mounting bicycles while LRT models simulated rides to encourage people to take public transportation.
“International Car Free Day is an opportunity for people to come together and engage in fun activities that improve mental, physical and emotional health, while promoting environmentally-friendly lifestyles,” said Dot Laing, Active Edmonton program coordinator. “Park(ed) challenges Edmontonians to find ways to care for the environment and for themselves.”
“Great neighbourhoods are the building blocks of a great city,” said Wendy Kinsman, Jasper Place Neighbourhood Revitalization coordinator, City of Edmonton. “These events are a great example of the City, community and business groups working together to improve the livability of our neighbourhoods and the lives of the people who live, work and visit them.”
The second Park(ed) event is a partnership between the City’s Active Edmonton program, Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association (the Association) and Jasper Place Neighbourhood Revitalization aimed at creating healthier communities, growing awareness and interest in eco-mobility – or getting around without the use of cars motorcycles - to reduce our carbon footprint.
The Association presented an Holistic Urban Market that focuses on an holistic approach to lifestyle.
“We are proud to partner with the City to help revitalize the area by bringing together groups who share a common goal of making our neighbourhoods safer, attractive and connected,” said Diane Kereluk, executive director of the Association. “We hope that events such as Park(ed) will bring people together and make our community healthy, active and successful.”
Park(ed) is based on the successful Ciclovia Car Free Sundays program started in Bogota, Columbia in the 1970s. Streets were closed to cars and opened to people as “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds could attend and benefit their health and the environment. This event also provided an opportunity for citizens to discover the convenience of walking and cycling versus driving their vehicles.
For more information:
Dot Laing
| Title | Active Edmonton Program Coordinator |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-944-0252 |
Diane Kereluk
Stony Plain Road and area Business Revitalization Zone
| Title | Executive Director |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-477-5169 |
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