Des Moines to Host Four Open Street Events in September
Des Moines, IA: Last September the Des Moines Bicycle Collective presented DSMove, an Open Streets Project that was the first of its kind for our community. Open Streets is a nationally-recognized movement dedicated to temporarily closing streets to automobile traffic and to repurposing them to allow people to walk, bicycle, dance, play, and socialize.
The 2013 event drew an estimated 5,000 attendees. Due to the initial success, the greater Des Moines area will be home to four Open Street events in September 2014! Events will be held on every Sunday in September.
- September 7 is on SW 9th from 12-4 p.m.
- September 14 is on East 9th from University Avenue to Hull Avenue, 1-5 p.m. - Click for list of activities & more details!
- September 21 is in Urbandale on Meredith Avenue from 12 to 4 p.m.
- September 28 is on University Ave. From 12-4 p.m.
Each event will have its own local flavor while large portions of streets will be closed for such things as: coffee served in front of Mars Café, yoga, street hockey, and exhibits from the Blank Park Zoo, Urban Ambassadors, or Des Moines Science Center. Stations featuring organized activities designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle and community will be located throughout. Activities will include a bike rodeo, Catrike test rides, bike tune-ups, Zumba instruction, yoga, disc golf, Ultimate Frisbee, Barnstormer’s football camp, kickboxing courses, sidewalk chalking, cooking demonstrations and more. Local businesses will also be open throughout the event to enhance the spirit of community.
As Des Moines Bicycle Collective member, and DSMove East 9th organizer, Angela McBride says, “DSMove is about getting out, moving, and getting neighbors together.” The Open Streets Project is a national movement with events already being held in New York, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Omaha, and over 70 other communities. DSMove joins in this celebration of cities seeking innovative and fun ways to achieve environmental, social, and public health goals. The event also seeks to support local businesses and build a sense of community while encouraging activity among Des Moines residents.
Learn more by visiting DSMove.org!