The City of Danville is joining with several community organizations on Friday, July 14, to demonstrate the potential of city streets to be inclusive spaces for bicyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists. The demonstration, called “Reimagine the Street at Main,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 900 block of Main Street. The event is free and open to the public.
During the event, the 900 block of Main Street temporarily will be transformed to provide an example of a “complete street” concept, which is less car-centric, safer, more accessible and and facilitates active living.”
“This concept is something the City is looking at for new streets,” said Renee Burton, senior planner with the City of Danville’s Community Development Department. “We are not going to come in and reworking existing roadways.
“For new streets, the concept helps you to rethink its design. The street is not just for cars. It is for pedestrians. It is for bicyclists. It is for promoting livability within a neighborhood.”
The City will set up cones in the roadway to demonstrate the concept. Citizens who attend also will enjoy free food and activities such as a healthy food demonstration, a miniature park, popup play spaces, health and community education activities, free health screenings and crafts.
Joining the City’s Community Development and Parks and Recreation departments as partners are the Health Collaborative, Danville Regional Foundation, Danville Public School System Child Nutrition Program, Friends of the Old West End, Community Health Workers, The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, First Presbyterian Church, God’s Storehouse and History United.