Through a series of free events and performances, a Vancouver organization will be helping residents to see what the city might look like with a lot fewer cars.
The Car Free Vancouver Society has hosted Car Free Days since 2008, giving people the chance to experience what cities could be like with more space for pedestrians. Last year the event was shifted to an online format due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but this year the one-day event has been transformed into a month-long festival.
Starting Sunday, August 29 and running to Saturday, September 25, the society is hosting a series of markets, performances, parklets, bike rides and audio tours throughout Vancouver.
“By hosting a series of smaller events, we believe that the 'car free' vision can be experienced in neighbourhoods we have not reached before and provide more accessibility options,” reads a statement from the society.
The first of these events takes place at Strathcona Park at the central pavilion structure at 4 p.m. this Sunday (Aug. 29) with a Pop-Up Performance (PUP) bike ride. A PUP ride is a group bike tour with stops along the way featuring outdoor performances from local artists.
“You don’t have to be a pro cyclist to join us, just bring your sense of humour and adventure, a bike light for your safety, and your pals if you want to,” the society’s website reads.
While the PUP rides are free to attend, the Car Free Vancouver Society suggests bringing $2 to donate to the 3-4 performances you'll see along the way.
For more information on Sunday’s PUP ride or on Car Free Month in general feel free to check out the society’s website.
