Thousands of people on foot had the right-of-way during Open Streets Waterloo, an event originally created to encourage active transportation.
Event Chair Andrew Dodds says the event continues to evolve and is inclusive to all forms of transportation.
Closing King Street to cars unless they`re classics.
“Active transportation is promoted by having places for all of our different modes.” Dodds says.
Once called Car Free Sundays, cars are part of the landscape of Open Streets.
Among the thousands at Open Streets, it would be very difficult to calculate just how many of them are using active transportation.
Organizers say Open Streets is open to everyone regardless of their choice of transit.
“To me, Open Streets is a festival showcasing our community and all the great things and great people in it.” Dodds says.
It’s all about promoting physical activity from hula hooping to break dancing to boot camp workout to juggling.
“It’s a great chance to randomly interact with people you normally wouldn’t talk to.” Local juggler Tim Dresser says.
Active transportation advocates say Open Streets is symbolic of the city’s landscape as planners continue to find a balance between all forms of transportation.
“You have to go one small step at a time and part of that is putting the foundation and piece in first. And that’s what we’re doing here.” says Jan d’Ailly, Chair of Waterloo Advisory Committee on Active Transportation.
“Every single person is a pedestrian, whether they get into a car, get on a bus or just walk. And we’re bringing all that together here.” Dodds says.
Open Streets will be reassessed next year and will be up to the next Waterloo City Council to see if it’s fulfilling its mandate.
