Even though bikeshare systems are taking off around the country, getting people of all ages, backgrounds and incomes to try them for the first time and become comfortable with the option is still a challenge for many advocates. Better Bike Share notes that systems in Atlanta and Minneapolis have found success through their cities’ frequent open streets events, which allow interested-but-concerned residents to try out the system on a car-free street.
Perhaps one of the most important principles of open streets is that it is meant to be for the entire community. This means that equity goals should be a natural fit.
Additionally, the safe and fun nature of open streets makes the event open to those who are particularly interested in the health and recreational benefits of biking.
“We have four pillars,” says Serna of her role hosting Atlanta Streets Alive. “Health is one of them. In some communities the health aspect is more important and more of a selling point than transportation.”