Durham will be temporarily transforming its downtown streets into a pedestrian wonderland for the Move-A-Bull City Open Streets event on October 5, from noon to 4 p.m. For a few hours, the urban landscape of Blackwell, Corcoran, and Foster Streets will be reclaimed by residents of all ages as cars give way to community frolic, according to details shared on Durham County’s official news website.
The stated goal is to “replace car traffic with people traffic” and turn these roads into “paved parks,” informed John Tallmadge, the executive director of Bike Durham. The organization is co-hosting the event alongside the City of Durham Transportation Department and the Durham County Public Health Department’s Partnership for a Healthy Durham. As noted in an article published by Durham County, attendees are encouraged to whole-heartedly embrace the car-free environment through an assortment of activities divided into themed zones. To fully ensure an experience that is a blend of education and pleasure, demonstrations of safe intersection designs will be on display at Blackwell Street and Jackie Robinson Drive, aligning with the Vision Zero Traffic Safety Zone’s objective to curb traffic fatalities.
Health and fitness will get a spotlight at the Wellness and Physical Activity Zones, featuring health screenings along with yoga and Zumba classes. For cycling enthusiasts and skaters, the Rolling Zone provides an opportunity to get bike repairs or challenge one’s skills on skating obstacles and cycling ramps. Community connections won’t be sidelined either, with an opportunity to meet first responders and transit workers at the Community Heroes Zone, and to gain insights into local governance in the Local Government Connections Zone. Adding to the dynamism, an Arts Zone will enable participants to flex their creative muscles, and of course, food trucks will be there to refuel all those engaged in the activities…