Oaklavia: Take to the streets Sunday!
“Don’t play in the street.”
Most of us heard this from our parents during childhood. But why do we perceive the street as a dangerous place, rather than a community commons where we meet our neighbors, share stories and play with friends?
If you look at historic photos of downtown Oakland, you'll see a very different kind of street, one with trolleys, but no private cars, no crosswalks and pedestrians milling about everywhere. The idea that walkers and cyclists are interlopers on city streets is a recent one.
On Sunday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., WalkOaklandBikeOakland - WOBO - aims to turn things back around by inviting neighbors of all ages to “come play in the streets” during the East Bay's first Oaklavia. Miles of streets in Uptown, Downtown, West Oakland and Jack London Square neighborhoods will be closed to car traffic and opened to everyone else.
The idea for temporary reclamation of city streets germinated in Bogotá, Columbia, in the mid-1970s. One of the goals of Bogotá’s Ciclovia is to bring together people from different neighborhoods who might not otherwise meet. Another goal is to improve the health of the city’s residents by encouraging exercise.
Today, the free, weekly event is attended by about 30 percent of Bogotá’s population (about 2 million people) and spans almost 75 miles of public streets.
Ciclovia-style events, with a political aspect in addition to the recreational one, are a recent import to the United States. San Francisco’s Sunday Streets generated controversy and opposition from merchants when the first events took place in 2008. The popularity of Sunday Streets has proven that if you open the streets, people will come. In 2010, the program has grown to nine Sundays and some of the same merchants who once opposed the event now clamor to have it – and the throngs of people who attend – in their neighborhoods.
Oaklavia will include visions of what Oakland can become.
“What’s unique about the Oaklavia is that we’re using the event to show what we’re working toward,” Kassie Rohrbach, WOBO’s executive director, said. “Oaklavia is one of the first ideas that came to mind for how we could build community in Oakland.”
Karen Hester, Oaklavia coordinator, is particularly excited about parklets, an idea pioneered by Rebar in San Francisco, where curb parking spots are temporarily transformed into mini-public spaces.
“We need more parks in Oakland and we have no money in the city budget for that," she said. "Businesses, community leaders and residents are taking back our streets for community-building, café seating and people watching.”
Rohrbach agrees.
“WOBO is working to see improved infrastructure in cycling and pedestrian needs throughout the city of Oakland," Rohrbach said. "We recognize that is only one piece. We’re working to build a culture around cycling and walking in Oakland.”
Oaklavia will offer a great deal of culture. A percussion sound installation by the Crucible, live bands, unicycle basketball and circus performances offer entertainment. For those who want to jump in and participate, there are dance lessons, a bicycle bunny hop, juggling lessons, free bike repair and a chance to dance like a zombie from the Thriller video with Thrill the World.
Oaklavia also will be a special place for kids. Scraper Bikes will provide inspiration “for young people to use bikes creatively and to see the art in bikes,” according to Hester.
“It’s going to be a really safe space for kids to be out on a bike in the city," Rohrbach added. "There’s going to be a bike rodeo at the event that the EBBC is organizing. The bike rodeo will teach kids cycling skills and help them build confidence on a bike.”
Despite the excitement surrounding Oaklavia, WOBO has received some criticism for scheduling the event on the same day as the San Francisco Pride Parade.
“We’re huge supporters of Pride. I’m a queer woman. Karen is as well,” Rohrbach said. “We’re encouraging people who are going to the Pride festival from the East Bay to make Oaklavia part of their route. See what it’s like to have a closed street to ride on your way to the Pride festival or on your way home.”
Whatever people have planned for the day, Rohrbach hopes they will stop by the first ever Oaklavia.
“It’s just going to be great day to be out in the city of Oakland and bike," she said. "I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone smiling and having a good time.”
About Laura McCamy
