After the strict traffic sanctions that Philadelphia mandated for 2015’s papal visit, the city discovered the “inconvenience” of closed streets had spawned an appreciation (among some) of the freedom to walk/run or bike vehicular-free roads. So, last year, the city declared one Saturday morning in October to be a traffic-free zone along a specified route. While 40,000 people enjoyed the ability to experience traffic-free streets, the overall feeling was that the route wasn’t diverse enough in the neighborhoods it encompassed. So, this year, on October 28, 8 am – 1 pm) the event is back, but with a different 7-mile route that traverses a wider array of neighborhoods. The idea is partly designed to allow “city folk” the chance to ride bikes or be otherwise physically active using the streets The real thrust, though addresses the fact that many Philadelphians have never set foot in an adjoining area and there are culture-rich enclaves all throughout the route–the hope is to introduce and connect people from the distinct neighborhoods.
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