Open Streets Knoxville is coming to Happy Holler!
On Sunday, May 19, from 2-6 p.m., the Knoxville community is invited to walk, bike, jog, or dance their way through town at the 11th annual Open Streets Knoxville event. Nearly a mile of streets in North Knoxville will be closed to all motorized traffic, allowing revelers a day of playing, exercising, and socializing in the streets. The route includes Emory Place and North Central St between Emory Place and Oklahoma Avenue.
Open Streets Knoxville, hosted by Bike Walk Knoxville with support from First Horizon, AAA, the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation, and other amazing sponsors, aims to promote physical activity and strengthen the community during this free, family- and pet-friendly event. The international Open Streets initiative promotes healthy living, local businesses, and sustainable transportation in cities. Open Streets events provide opportunities to reimagine our streets as public spaces for people of all ages and abilities to use. Past Open Streets Knoxville events have brought together an average of over 3,500 people per event.
“Open Streets connects residents to each other and their neighborhood streets in a fun, exciting way,” says Mayor Indya Kincannon. “The experience is also an important reminder that we can work together to make our roads safe for all users, regardless of their mode of transportation. I hope North Central Street is full of people having fun on May 19!”
At Open Streets Knoxville, attendees of all ages and abilities can participate in activities provided by local businesses and organizations, play games, or peacefully stroll the streets while enjoying live music and street performers. Food and drink will be for sale from food trucks and businesses located along the route. Strollers, scooters, skateboards, and bikes are welcome – just no cars!
For more information on participation and sponsorship, go to bwknox.org/openstreets or contact Lindsey Kimble, Executive Director, Bike Walk Knoxville at Lindsey.Kimble@bikewalktn.org or Julie Elfin, Open Streets Coordinator at openstreetsknoxville@gmail.com.
