I often refer to my husband as The Bike Guy. He’s what alternative-mode traffic engineers call ‘strong and fearless’. The man commutes daily by bike; sees new outings as an adventure in finding the best bike route; looks through bike magazines in a dreamy fantasy; and has even been known to ride his bike in the snow. I, on the other hand, am what they call ‘interested but concerned’. I like riding my bike. I love to see my kids ride their bikes. However, the momma-safety-radar works overtime and I have very little confidence in the safety provided by a paint stripe swiped on the road (aka… the bike lane).
While I understand that America is a car-based society and there is no radical plan to open my hometown to bikers and walkers only, I have dreams of my family riding our bikes worry free. Enter: Portland Sunday Parkways.
Our lovely city-neighbor to the north has organized five summer rides that close the streets to cars and invite citizens to bike, eat, play, and enjoy Portland’s largest public space: its streets! The parkways website says the event: “promotes healthy active living, fosters civic pride, stimulates economic development, and represents the community, business and government investments in Portland's vitality, livability and diversity.” My eight year old says, “Sunday Parkways are fun!”
While I understand that America is a car-based society and there is no radical plan to open my hometown to bikers and walkers only, I have dreams of my family riding our bikes worry free. Enter: Portland Sunday Parkways.
Our lovely city-neighbor to the north has organized five summer rides that close the streets to cars and invite citizens to bike, eat, play, and enjoy Portland’s largest public space: its streets! The parkways website says the event: “promotes healthy active living, fosters civic pride, stimulates economic development, and represents the community, business and government investments in Portland's vitality, livability and diversity.” My eight year old says, “Sunday Parkways are fun!”
The number of people participating in the Parkway event was amazing. More than 30,000 people joined the fun. Every street was filled. The city parks along the route were alive with dancing, singing, ice cream eating, bubble blowing, and all out playground-playing. Most fun for me was to see the households along the route who used the opportunity to have a party. Folks sat on the stoop and waved to the parade of passing cyclists. They offered free water to participants, sold lemonade alongside art work, and served as volunteers at intersections.
My hope is that Sunday Parkways would come to every town, but until it does – might I suggest a family trip to Portland? The next event is scheduled for July 24th. Much cheaper that a trip to Denmark, this event has all the carefree fun of childhood bike rides, all the charisma of a community celebration, and the essential safety precautions this mommy requires for her growing boys.
I was too busy riding to take many good pictures, but you can check out BikePortland.org for great photos capturing the fun.
My hope is that Sunday Parkways would come to every town, but until it does – might I suggest a family trip to Portland? The next event is scheduled for July 24th. Much cheaper that a trip to Denmark, this event has all the carefree fun of childhood bike rides, all the charisma of a community celebration, and the essential safety precautions this mommy requires for her growing boys.
I was too busy riding to take many good pictures, but you can check out BikePortland.org for great photos capturing the fun.