Another Green Monday: Summer Parkways moves to the North Hill on Sunday

Summer Parkways was a smashing success last month and now organizers are moving the event to the north side. On Sunday, July 24, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., four miles of roadway will be closed to automobiles and opened up to create a loop for bikes, pedestrians, skaters, and other human-powered forms of transportation. The course will run through the North Hill neighborhood, with fun events along the route.

The idea for Summer Parkways is based off ciclovías – Spanish for “cycle way” or “bike path”- an event in Bogotá where 70 miles of streets close for automobiles and open for people powered transit on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.



Image courtesy of Summer Parkways.

In case you missed it, Summer Parkways involves the closure of Spokane streets to vehicular traffic for a portion of a day in favor of walking, bicycling, rolling, and other non-motorized forms of transportation. It connects neighborhoods and people: walkers, runners, bikers, seniors, adults, and children can enjoy car-free streets filled with a variety of activities along the route. And it’s all free. It’s a bit different from the first go-around in 2010, by expanding it to include three different neighborhoods. Here are the two remaining after the Comstock-Manito event last month:

Sunday, July 24, 10AM-2PM- North Hill Neighborhood ( map )

Sunday, August 14, 10 AM-2PM- Northwest Neighborhood ( map )

The expansion of the event and the growing attendance is a good sign. It looks like Summer Parkways is on its way to becoming a more permanent fixture in Spokane. Even though we can’t conceivably close more than 70 miles of streets, how far have we come that we are modeling an event after Bogotá’s attempts at a post-automobile city? Will our urban planners take note? Even with expected improvements in vehicle and fuel economy, carbon emissions from transportation would be 41 percent above today’s levels by 2030 if driving is not curbed .

Organizers still need your help.

Visit summerparkways.com and sign up to direct traffic, assist vendors, or provide information to participants.  Your help at Summer Parkways is crucial for its success…and as a thank you you’ll receive an awesome bandana. Volunteers are still needed for the following shifts:

9:45 am – 12:15 pm: intersection volunteer
11:45 am – 2:15 pm: intersection volunteer

Questions: Contact Kristen at summerparkways@gmail.com If you know of anyone else who may be interested in volunteering, please share this opportunity with them. This could be a great way for teenagers and students to get involved with the community over the summer break as well.

See you there!