Car-Free Streets

Streetfilms: Going Car-Free in Milwaukee

By Brad Aaron

3:14 PM EDT on August 20, 2008

Summer Streets may be getting most of the attention lately, but New York isn’t the only US city opening its streets to public use. On a recent visit to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Streetfilms contributor Nick Whitaker captured two car-free events happening at once.

First, the Brady Street Festival, which has roots going back to the
1970s, was recently revived. Brady Street Festival is a car-free event
featuring delicious fare from award winning Wisconsin cheese makers and
organic seasonal treats, live music, crafts, beer, and a camel ride!
A short distance away is the Downer Ave Race, celebrating its 40th
anniversary. Bicycle racers have chosen it frequently as one of the top
races in the U.S., according to VeloNews. More than 12,000 people attend
the race each year to enjoy the music, food, and fun that make this
event a great neighborhood party that lasts long after the races are
over.

Brad Aaron

Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.