No Vehicles Allowed On South Street On Saturday From River To River
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It'll be a carless morning from South Street to Fairmount Park tomorrow, as the city clears the roads for recreational activities.
It's an idea that grew out of the Pope's visit last year.
People enjoyed walking in the streets when they were free of cars. So the Kenney administration tomorrow is trying the first "Philly Free Streets" program: No cars are allowed on South Street, from river to river, joining MLK Drive up to the Falls Bridge, from 8 am until 1 pm.
That means no parked cars, too.
Parking restrictions will be eased between Locust and Washington Streets to accommodate the extra cars. But car owners should be aware that ticketing and towing will begin at 3 a.m. Saturday.
Deputy Managing Director for Transportation and Infrastructure Clarena Tolson says it's not a festival, rather, it's designed to get people walking, biking, doing yoga, even trampolining on streets that are car-free.
"The mayor is going to be leading a power walk at 9 am. You can meet up with him at Second and South Streets. He's a very fast walker!"
Police will allow intermittent cross-traffic on South Street on designated numbered streets.
The city will survey participants and businesses to assess the commercial impact. Tolson says "Philly Free Streets" is expected to become an annual event.
