Portions of several roadways will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, Aug. 24 so the community can ‘cycle and stroll’ at the eighth West Hartford ‘Center Streets.’ 

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford community will once again be able to “take to the streets” on their bikes, scooters, strollers, or feet for the eighth Center Streets block party, hosted by Bike West Hartford and scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cycling, strolling, skating, and dancing will all be encouraged at the open street festival which will allow attendees to experience the streets of West Hartford Center in a “unique and vibrant way,” organizers said.

The “block party on wheels” is open to folks of all ages, but although two- and three-wheeled devices are very much encouraged – and of course unicycles would also be welcome – motorized four-wheelers are not permitted in the blocked off area for the car-free Center Streets morning.

Thanks to the assistance of West Hartford Police and the Department of Public Works, the parts of Farmington Avenue, South Main Street, Memorial Road Extension, and LaSalle Road that form a rectangular loop through the center business district will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration, allowing participants to ride their bikes, scooters, or walk in roadways free from automobiles.

According to Ethan Frankel of Bike West Hartford, for the second year in a row the town will create a separated bike lane from Trout Brook Trail at Farmington Ave, up Farmington Avenue westbound to the traffic light at Main Street and the edge of Center Streets.

“Last year about 400 people on bikes took advantage of the bike connection to and from Trout Brook Trail,” Frankel said. “There are plans for a permanent separated path in the future,” he added.

Center Streets activities include a children’s bike safety course as well as various games and activities including hula hoops and chalk drawing.

Along with car-free exploration of the streets of West Hartford Center, participating restaurants will be offering brunch specials and area merchants will have special discounts. Local artists will provide live music throughout the event.

“We are proud to have put on the first ‘open streets’ bike festival in Connecticut back in 2016,” said Frankel. “Center Streets was inspired by ‘Summer Streets’ in Manhattan where 7 miles of Park Avenue are shut down to car traffic on three Saturdays in August,” he said.

“We are thrilled to bring Center Streets back to West Hartford for another year,” organizers said in a news release. “This event celebrates the power of community and healthy, active living. Everyone is invited to join the car-free experience and discover the joy of our vibrant town center.”

Center Streets has become a highly-anticipated end-of-summer tradition for many town residents. The event is the signature community initiative of Bike West Hartford, Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes bicycle-friendly policies, programs, and infrastructure in town.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.