Downtown Ballard is busy this Friday afternoon at Seattle Summer Streets. An entire block is closed at 22nd Ave NW at Bergen Place Park.
Many people are riding in on bicycles, after commuting on their two wheels for Bike to Work day. There are quite a few activities including taking a spin on the “conference bike” and making special Cascade Bicycle Club “undriver licences.”
Cascade Bicycle Club is handing out bananas and water bottles to weary travelers. They’re sponsoring the event that goes until 7 p.m.
Update: See more photos of the event on My Ballard’s Facebook page.
I was hoping for more events, or at least a few spontaneous bits of Ballard culture to pop up along the closed off block. All I found were lots of bike-riders (which is great) but I felt almost alienated as a “mere” pedestrian.
This was an unbelievable gathering of diverse Ballardians and non-Ballardians. The Kidical Mass ride was an eye-opener — were there 75-100 adults and kids involved!??
I hope this plants a seed for local merchants, and perhaps the Ballard Chamber to think about organizing one of these types of events monthly or quarterly–closed off 22nd NW is minimally disruptive to vehicles, but creates a great urban space.
Thanks to the City, Cascade, local merchants who were involved, and everyone who came down to My Ballard to celebrate Summer Streets
i had so much fun here! i really dug the smartwool promo with the matching numbers and free socks! i found my partenr and we both got new socks. the vendors were all really great and had a bunch of free funware. i also appreciated the free bus passes.
it was fun to see neighbors mingling and the weather was perfect! i liked it alot.
free bus passes? Where was that? I just got a bike light and never did find my partner. Dang. I was hoping for more than just bike to work day stuff – I had the impression it was going to be more like the Greenwood one. Maybe next time!