Car Free Day on Commercial Drive aims to nurture car-free culture
Posted September 9, 2023 3:17 pm.
Last Updated September 9, 2023 3:18 pm.
Looking to take in some live music and look at local art while getting some fresh air on Saturday?
Commercial Drive is hosting its annual Car Free Day, an arts and culture festival that was created to celebrate diversity and inclusivity while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
“Our mission is to nurture and grow car-free spaces and culture in collaboration with local communities,” the organizers said.
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The Drive is closed to traffic between North Grandview Highway and 1st Avenue until 7 p.m. The event features local venders, activities, workshops, food stalls, music, and artisans.
In the spirit of getting people out of their cars, the festival is also offering free bike valets.
This is not the only annual Car Free Day event in Vancouver. On Sept. 16, Main Street will hold a similar event between 10th Avenue and King Edward, and the West End-Denman area will host their festival Sept. 24, between Davie and Robson.
“Since 2008, Car Free Vancouver Society has hosted Car Free Days along various main streets to nurture and grow the car-free culture,” the organizers said. “By blocking off major thoroughfares, Car Free Days gave people the chance to experience what cities could be like with more space for pedestrians, not cars.”
Police say bus access is permitted between Broadway and North Grandview.
The three Car Free Day events attract around half a million attendees every year, organizers say. Of those, forty per cent are under the age of 30.
