Mayor Muriel Bowser and DDOT are sparking excitement among Washingtonians by announcing the inaugural Open Streets Capitol Hill event to transform key streets into a pedestrian paradise this Saturday. As reported by the Office of the Mayor, from 9 AM to 3 PM, stretches of North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue SE will be car-free zones, designed for people to walk, bike, and indulge in a plethora of activities spearheaded by local businesses and organizations.
Families are in for a treat with a diverse lineup of activities that include fitness classes, Double Dutch, foam parties, live music, and bike maintenance clinics – thanks to local community input and efforts to prioritize health and safety; the Eastern Market will also extend its territory to accommodate additional vendors along the vibrant route. Despite the possibility of rain, the celebration promises to proceed, beckoning residents to don their comfy shoes and grab their bicycles or skate gear to immerse themselves in the festival-like atmosphere.
The concept of Open Streets sits at the heart of Mayor Bowser’s vision for DC, aligning with her strides in increasing sustainable transportation options across the city. In her tenure, notable milestones have been achieved with 55 miles of bike lanes added, 13 miles of dedicated bus lanes established, and the Capital Bikeshare program nearly doubling in presence, as highlighted in the Office of the Mayor's statement.
