AARP is Coming Back to Philly Free Streets in 2018

AARP Pennsylvania is a proud sponsor of the 3 ^rd annual Philly Free Streets event. Philly Free Streets, a people-powered initiative of the City of Philadelphia, will block off several miles of vehicular traffic along Broad Street on August 11 ^th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The car-free route spanning several miles from City Hall to Erie Avenue will create a connection between Center City and North Philadelphia where people can bike, walk or play to explore the neighborhoods. This event is free and open to the public.

Philly Free Streets offers family-friendly activities along a car-free route, encouraging visitors to social and enjoy Philadelphia neighborhoods. In 2017, over 40,000 Philadelphians and visitors participated in Philly Free Streets. Since its inception three years ago, AARP Pennsylvania has been a proud sponsor of the annual Philly Free Streets event.

“Philadelphians, and people who visit this great City, should be able to go for a walk, get around without a car, and enjoy public spaces. That’s part of what makes Philly Free Streets so exciting. It’s a chance to make our community more livable for all ages.” – Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director

AARP’s Livable Communities initiative promotes the implementation of policies that allows the community to be safe and secure, have affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and offer supportive community features and services. In line with this initiative, the Free Streets event aims to promote active transportation such as walking and biking, and highlights the City’s focus on health, community, and social interaction as people come out to walk, bike, and play. This event is an excellent opportunity for people to interact with their community in a safe, open space.

At last year’s event in October, there were various activities along the Philly Free Streets path in order to engage the community in a fun way. Citizens were encouraged to join Mayor Jim Kenney as he walked the entire path, participate in yoga and dance sessions, bike, and play “Pokémon GO.” Mural Arts Philadelphia was also in attendance to create interesting ground murals at several locations across the 10-mile strip.