Portions of several roadways will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, Aug. 25 so the community can ‘cycle and stroll’ at the seventh 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 seventh Center Streets block party, hosted by Bike West Hartford and scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Organizers expect this year’s event to surpass the crowd of 2,000 who participated last year in the family-friendly “open streets” festival.

An event that organizer Ethan Frankel calls a “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.

“This is not a bike ride with a destination, rather it is about the joy of owning the streets during 4 hours without cars parked or moving,” Frankel said in the announcement.

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.

Activities during Center Streets will include live music by Suburban Escape Plan and an appearance by giant puppets from Hartford’s Nightfall Show.

Children will also be able to play in the street – with games set up and an ample supply of hula hoops, chalk, and bubbles.

Area restaurants will be offering specials, and Larsen Ace Hardware will be handing out popcorn.

“Stop and chat with neighbors, friends, and sponsors. Take a detour a block away to visit the Blue Back Farmers Market in West Hartford Town Hall parking lot,” organizers said.

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 similar events that have popped up in other communities, it was inspired by “Summer Streets,” an event traditionally held in New York City during three Saturdays each August.

Financial support for this year’s Center Streets event is being provided local businesses and residents. Gold sponsors for the 2024 event are PeoplesBank, Metro Realty, and DORO Restaurant Group. Silver sponsors are Modern Tire and Jason Wang. Bronze sponsors are West Hartford Orthodontics, Berkshire Bike and Board, Play It Again Sports, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center, Mario Russo Insurance, Daswani Clothiers, Acure Eco Salon, Bergenn Financial, Keating Agency, Mathnasium, and Harvest.

“Dust off your bikes, scooters, and strollers, and meet up at Center Streets!” organizers said.

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