Edmonton's Pedestrian Affair

Something to think about for Cranbrook?

A Pedestrian Affair: Downtown Block gets Eco-mobile


June 18, 2011

Residents of all ages and all walks of life helped the City of Edmonton celebrate sustainable transportation and active, healthy lifestyles at Park(ed) – Car Free Day.

Part of the City’s efforts to improve Edmonton’s livability, Park(ed) encouraged citizens to leave their cars at home and re-imagine city streets as “paved parks.”

“Events like this highlight how active living and sustainable transportation can connect communities and create a healthy and active city,” said Councillor Don Iveson. “By considering other options, Edmontonians improve their own well-being and help preserve our environment at the same time.”

During Park(ed), two blocks along 102 Avenue became an extravaganza of healthy living as participants enjoyed an array of healthy, eco-friendly activities like walking tours, cycling, roller-blading, zumba, spin-cycle and skate boarding.

“We wanted citizens to think about greener ways of getting around while engaging in activities that are fun and free,” said Dot Laing, Active Edmonton program coordinator. “Today was an opportunity for people to come together and see how easy it is to do something good for themselves, their city and the environment. The challenge for each of us is to get up, get out, and get active.”

The concept behind Park(ed) originated in the 1970s in Bogota, Columbia, where the successful Ciclovia Car Free Sundays program opened the streets for people and closed it off to car traffic.