Dorchester is to host a “Streets Alive!” event celebrating International Car-Free Day in Acland Road car park on 22nd September 2023. There will be a festival with stalls, music, activities, and demonstrations in the car park in the afternoon from 12pm to 5pm. Local school children will be taking part with members of the public invited as well!
Throughout the afternoon there will be music, demonstrations, talks, food, stalls and a range of fun activities including street art, bike disco and bike polo, cycle training and repairs, street football, and more! Streets Alive will be based around the theme of active transport, encouraging the public to find fun and engaging alternatives to driving.
Many of Dorchester’s primary and middle schools are supporting this event. Some children will be walking, cycling, or scooting to the event from school which will give a powerful visual message that our streets are for everyone! At the event, there will be a range of activities and demonstrations for them to enjoy including some inter-school games. Their experience and learning will be used by the schools as part of their curriculum delivery.
Julie-Ann Booker from Dorchester Transport Action Group said, “The event will take a space in the centre of town usually occupied by cars and reclaim it for the townsfolk for one day, turning it temporarily into a joyous space for a series of fun and educational activities. The central idea is to gently encourage a behavioural change from using cars to active transport which will bring a range of benefits including, reduced levels of air and noise pollution and a reduction in our carbon footprint. The event will be open to everyone: old and young, mobile, and not so mobile, to experience the centre of Dorchester in a new way”.
Local cycling groups are also being encouraged to participate in a mass cycle on the day of the event. The route will finish at the Acland Street Car Park where there will be a circuit of the car park. This cycle ride will be another act of temporarily “reclaiming our streets”.
Dorchester Streets Alive aims to be inclusive of everyone: young people, older people, sporty people, those who are less mobile, and those who use walking aids or wheelchairs.
How can you get involved in Dorchester Streets Alive?
- Book a stall – Food & drink, crafts, education, etc.
- Come and speak about climate issues.
- Perform on the stage.
- Sponsor a prize/giveaway.
- Organise a fun activity.
- Promote your active travel business.
- Promote your local club/activities.
- Help with fundraising for this event.
- Come along on your bike, skateboard, scooter, or mobility scooter!
- Join the community and help with the organisation.
- Help promote the festival.
Giles Watts, Secretary of Dorchester Transport Action Group commented, “This event will be positive for Dorchester and bring people into the centre of town which will be good for the community and businesses alike.”
To get involved, please contact Dorchester Streets Alive at dorchesterstreetsalive@gmail.com or call Giles Watts at 07840 061712. You can also like/follow the event at www.facebook.com/DorchesterStreetsAlive or @dorchesterstreetsalive on Instagram.
