Dorchester car park being 'reclaimed' for Streets Alive Festival
The Acland Road car park will be shut today (Friday 22nd September)
A Dorchester car park will be shut to traffic today (Friday 22nd September), as local transport groups look to 'reclaim urban spaces'.
The Streets Alive Festival at the Acland Road car park coincides with International Car-Free Day, with local school children and the public taking part in activities throughout the day.
Stalls, music and demonstrations are being laid on, around the theme of active transport and alternatives to driving.
It'll include the Crazy Cycle Circus, King Ramps Skateboarding, walking football, circus skills workshops, Bike-agility, Trishaw rides, pottery, arts and crafts, and interactive fitness demonstrations, ending with a traditional Dorchester Hokey Cokey.
Local primary and middle schools going along are expected to walk, cycle, or scoot to the festival from their schools.
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 taking part in a mass cycle from 3.30pm today.
That'll start from outside Dorchester Library, finish at the Acland Street Car Park for a circuit of the site.
Cllr Alistair Chisholm, Mayor of Dorchester, said:
“I am delighted this event is being held in the county town as it will demonstrate how we must adapt our travelling habits for a climate change future. Streets Alive turns ideas into actions from which we can all learn and it builds on the occasional High Street closures which are appreciated by so many residents, visitors and businesses.”