What’s new at the October Open Streets 704 event [Partner]
By Michael Candelario
Lucy Stefani
Lucy Stefani LSPhotoVideo
We’re just a few weeks from Charlotte’s fourth Open Streets event. Open Streets 704, powered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 15. If you’ve never been, ask the more than 50,000 folks who have and they’ll tell you what you’re missing. If you’re a long-time fan, you might be wondering whether the series can maintain its reputation as THE Sunday Funday.
The short answer is: of course. But if you’re the kind who’s into spoilers, here are five things we think will make this next Open Streets 704 a must-do.
Bigger is better
Exit surveys from past events said that people wanted more space to walk, ride and explore. Clocking in at more than 5 miles, this year’s route is anchored by LoSo’s brewing district and Park Road Shopping Center, so it will have plenty of room to roam.
Early bird special
Can’t wait for Open Streets 704’s 1 p.m. start? Or maybe you’re just an early riser? Either way, you’re in luck. Open Streets 704 and Charlotte B-Cycle are promoting a Bike to Brunch event at the Park Road Shopping Center. The coffee makers at Amelie’s and Flying Biscuit Cafe, no doubt, will be in overdrive.
The Greenway i
s part of the plan
For the first time, an Open Streets 704 route will include a section of the Greenway. Little Sugar Creek Greenway connects Freedom Park to a loop on the route’s east side and is scenic in the extreme.
Playing with traffic
The open streets will give Charlotte’s Department of Transportation an opportunity to experiment with ways to slow traffic in the local neighborhoods. Two temporary traffic circles will be set up — one at the intersection of Jameston and Irby Drive, and another at Belrose and Castlewood. CDOT will get feedback from drivers and neighbors about whether these experiments should become permanent features.
You CAN get there from here
Here’s another reason you’ll want to make the trip from end to end at the October Open Streets 704 event: you’ll learn a secret little neighborhood cut-through that’s only accessible by bike or on foot. It’ll connect you to Park Road Shopping Center, South Boulevard and points onward without having to cross traffic on Woodlawn.
