Philly Free Streets Returns To Broad Street Aug 3

PHILADELPHIA — Philly Free Streets is returning again and will strike all vehicle traffic on Broad Street to make way for pedestrians in August.

City officials announced Wednesday that Philly Free Streets will return to North Broad Street on Saturday, August 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for its fourth program.

This year’s eight-mile round trip route, between City Hall and Erie Avenue on North Broad Street, will create a car-free connection between Center City and the heart of North Philadelphia.

Check out a map below:

“On my way up North Broad, I saw people of all ages and all physical abilities enjoying the street. One was a father on rollerblades towing his young son on a tricycle. One elderly gentleman moved his chair from his porch to the middle of Broad street to be immersed in the positive energy,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This year, I am thrilled to announce that we are bringing Philly Free Streets back to beautiful North Broad Street!”

Led by the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, & Sustainability, Philly Free Streets temporarily closes streets to cars, inviting people to walk, bike, and play.

The event highlights these active transportation options, as well as neighborhood walkability and its positive impacts on public health, the environment, business, and the community. Since the inaugural Philly Free Streets in 2016, the program has welcomed more than 120,000 people to enjoy car-free streets in various Philadelphia neighborhoods.

“At its core, Philly Free Streets promotes livable streets—streets that are safe and comfortable for people of all ages and physical abilities to walk, bike, and meet their neighbors,” said Mike Carroll, Philadelphia’s Deputy Managing Director for Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability. “Philly Free Streets will be back on North Broad Street, bringing people together along the historic corridor.”

Philly Free Streets participants are invited to join the car-free route at any point—there’s no formal start or finish.

Organizers encourage participants to use SEPTA or Indego bikeshare to join the route.

During the program, people are encouraged to support businesses along the route and to stop and participate in the family-friendly programming throughout.

The August 2019 Philly Free Streets is sponsored by Temple University and AARP Pennsylvania.