Great idea: Car free Sundays!

The City of Seattle has decided to close some neighborhood streets on certain Sundays in August and September to motorized traffic for a few hours, with the goal of encouraging street life and neighborhood pride.

I loved hearing this on KUOW while commuting from work - in my CAR. Our family has been trying to keep our auotmobiles parked on the weekends and do more walking, hiking, and biking. Mayor Nickels' street plan is a good one.

If this small start goes well, the idea could be expanded next summer. The experiment is part of Seattle's "Give Your Car the Summer Off" project. Citizens are encouraged to drive 1000 fewer miles a year. People are planning street events in conjunction with the car-free days. San Francisco, New York, Portland, and Vancouver. B.C. have experimented with similar programs.

The car-free locations are:

Aug. 24 – Volunteer Park and 14th Avenue East. From noon to 6 p.m. 14th Avenue East from Volunteer Park to East Republican Street will be closed to cars. The Volunteer Park Western Loop will also be car-free.

Aug. 31 – Rainier Avenue. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Rainier Avenue South from South Orcas to South Alaska streets Cars will also be restricted on Conover Street, part of 38th Avenue South and South Alaska Street. The car-free day coincides with Bicycle Sunday on Lake Washington Boulevard.

Sept. 7 – Alki Avenue. From noon to 6 p.m., Alki Avenue from California Way Southwest around Alki Beach to the south end of 63rd at Beach Drive will be closed. One lane will be available for the Water Taxi Shuttle and to provide access for residents living along Alki.

The City of Seattle also has more information.