VANCOUVER - Calls for more Car-Free Days came from all corners of Main Street, one of four Vancouver neighbourhoods closed yesterday to carbon-spewing autos.
In true spirit of the street festival, Robyn Halme, an employee at Lace Embrace Atelier, which had a stall set up along the sidewalk, left her car at home emphasizing the point fewer cars can mean more enjoyment.
"Definitely, we need more of these," she said. "I think it's a great way to have everybody walking around and having fun."
Shoppers streamed through the corridor, normally congested by cars and were treated to a series of live music performances every few blocks.
Sylvestre Bustro, who emigrated from Italy and moved to Main Street 42 years ago, said he's never seen anything like this in Vancouver.
"This is very excellent," he said. "They do this back in the old country too, but over here it feels like nobody does anything."
Organizers hope support for such car-free festivals at Main Street, the West End, Commercial Drive and Kitsilano snowball around the city after marking the first annual Car-Free Vancouver Day last year.
Dharm Makwana reports for Vancouver 24 hours.
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Popin
2 years ago
Car free
I wish the emphasis was more strongly on community and not the lack of automobiles.
midnightsimon
2 years ago
popin - the two go together!
popin - the two go together!
EastVan2
2 years ago
Cars vs Community
Amongst the thousands of people on Main I managed to run into several of my neighbours. I don't generally run into these same people and I assume that is because, despite living a couple of blocks from vegetable markets, a butcher, a liquor store etc. etc. they are driving to a supermarket, driving the kids to school etc.
Cars, and their misuse, are community killers. The message of car free day is that fewer cars equals more community. It's a message not just planners need to take to heart.