Car free Days to hit the road in PoCo and Port Moody, but not Coquitlam
This article has been updated to correct the date of Port Coquitlam’s Car Free Day.
It’s where the rubber doesn’t meet the road
Port Coquitlam is set to host a Car Free Day on Sept. 6.
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The street festival is set to include food trucks, breweries, entertainment, and family activities like mini-golf and a ninja obstacle course.
“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the revitalization that’s ongoing in downtown Port Coquitlam and explore alternative modes of transportation—be it transit, cycling, walking, and more,” stated Mayor Brad West in a press release.
Port Moody
Pedestrians are set to take over St. Johns, Queens and Moody streets on Aug. 17 for Port Moody’s Car Free Day.
Along with live entertainment, food trucks, and extended patios from local restaurants, the event is set to feature booths from businesses, artisans and non-profit groups.
The 2024 festival drew 12,000 revelers and more than 100 local businesses, according to a release from the city.
“Our council and city staff understand that the recent tragic incident at the Lapu Lapu Day festival still weighs heavily on community members’ hearts and minds,” Mayor Meghan Lahti stated in a press release. “We want to assure everyone that the safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority, and we are committed to delivering a safe and welcoming community event.”
The event is set to run from noon to 5 p.m. The portion of St. Johns Street between Douglas and Moody streets is set to be closed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. More info here.
Coquitlam
While Coquitlam has taken on a number of initiatives to help residents get by without a car, the city has yet to host a Car Free Day.
Due to both “in-kind and actual costs,” a Car Free Day would have to be prioritized in the city’s budget along with a host of other events and festivals, explained the city’s director of transportation Doug McLeod.
Car-free festivals are typically held with TransLink as well as a third-party such as a Business Improvement Association, McLeod noted.
The transportation director noted the city’s work with cycling advocacy group HUB as well as the Tri-Cities Off Road Cycling Association, as well as Coquitlam’s Bike to Work Week and Bike Repair Café.
In a bid to get more residents out of their cars, the city is working to add 75 kilometres of sidewalks while expanding access to shared e-mobility devices.
TransLink is supporting nine car-free festivals from Maple Ridge to North Vancouver this summer.
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