Commercial Car-Free Days

During last year's World Cup finals, I headed to Commercial Drive, intending to celebrate in a pub. Unknowingly, I wandered into a cool street event called Car-Free Commercial Drive Day. There's nothing like being able to breeze up and down a four-lane street, with no fear of being run over. Just walking on the busy Drive on a normal day can be an unnerving experience.

On this particular sunny afternoon I checked out interesting business displays. Some patrons sat down and sampled services such as Indian head massage, shiatsu, and tarot readings. Lots of cool clothes were on sale as well. Stores opened their doors wide to swarms of people seeking creative wear and gifts. The ice cream shop had a lineup halfway down the block!

I discovered the party had much more to offer.

For hours my friends and I wandered, ate treats, and let our ears soak in the music. Around dinner time, we nabbed a patio table at Memphis Blues, where for the first time I indulged in their famous fare. As we lounged in the dying sun, the street beside me was a highway of stilt-walking artists, faeries asking for festival donations, and couples holding hands.

Gradually, the stream of people dried up. Suddenly, one car zoomed by, then another. As Commercial Drive once again filled with vehicles, I was slightly saddened that the sounds of people laughing and chatting were replaced by noisy engines.

Luckily, this year I have two days in which to enjoy Commercial Drive's festival again: Sunday, June 17 and July 22. A great chance for me to fantasize what it would be like to live in a car-free pocket of the city.

Photo of Bonkers! courtesy of Commercial Drive Festival.