First 'Atlanta Streets Alive' of 2016 Set for Sunday

ATLANTA, GA -- On Sunday, April 17, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) will host its first Atlanta Streets Alive event of 2016, expanding its Historic West End Route to include six new neighborhoods.

The four-mile route will be closed to cars so that Atlantans can explore the communities by bike or foot, enjoying people-powered amusements along the way. The event will connect the neighborhoods of Westview, West End, Adair Park, Pittsburgh, Mechanicsville, Summerhill and Grant Park.

ABC expanded the route after members of the Summerhill community (home to Turner Field) requested Atlanta Streets Alive come to their neighborhood. With the Atlanta Braves moving to Cobb County, supporters and residents are now planning for Summerhill’s future, recognizing the positive economic and social impact Atlanta Streets Alive events have had on other city neighborhoods.

A few of the more than 50 free, at-event activities include:

• Music by a cappella groups and bands
• Fun for bicyclists, including bike polo and a Public Art Bike Tour of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
• A pop-up chalk festival
• Dancing for people of all ages, from Zumba to Line Dancing, by AARP and Parks and Recreation
• Kids games and zones
• An update from the Turner Field “Livable Centers Initiative” team on a planning study that is in progress
• Fun from businesses along the route, including Kiwi Vintage and Atlanta Baby Exchange

The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with the Great Bicycle Parade. Bicyclists of all ages are invited to participate by meeting at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Cherokee Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Kicking off at Zoo Atlanta, parade participants are invited to dress up like their favorite zoo animals. City of Atlanta’s Chief Bicycle Officer Becky Katz and Atlanta Bicycle Coalition’s Executive Director Rebecca Serna will lead the parade.

Including the April 17 event, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will host four Atlanta Streets Alive events in 2016, connecting more neighborhoods than ever before. For a full list of upcoming events throughout the year, visit www.AtlantaStreetsAlive.com.

Atlanta Streets Alive (ABC’s open-streets initiative since 2009) events have helped changed the way people view Atlanta’s streets and neighborhoods. By taking motorized vehicles out of the equation for an afternoon, Atlantans can experience the benefits of people-filled, active neighborhoods, enjoying safer, healthier, happier and more livable communities.

Atlanta Streets Alive’s sponsors are City of Atlanta, MailChimp, New Belgium Brewing, Atlanta Parks & Rec, and the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services.