WS Chronicle

By Judi Lawson Wallace

Can you imagine walking, biking or skating in the street without worrying about cars?

That’s exactly what will happen on Sunday, May 3, from 1–4 p.m. in downtown Winston-Salem. People of all ages and abilities are invited to “play in the street.” The new Research Parkway will be closed between 3rd Street and Rams Drive
for three hours so there will be no motor vehicle traffic — only cyclists, walkers, people in wheelchairs, and skaters.

Drummers from the Downtown School will perform on stage at 1:30 p.m. Other groups performing include D-Unity dance team from Konnoak Elementary, salsa dancers, and Wheel Power & Company from Whitaker Elementary School. Wheel Power showcases students on unicycles, stilts, and pogo-hoppers.

Along one side of Research Parkway will be exhibits with other activities for participants: hula hoops, jump ropes, corn hole, a SciWorks exhibit on a gyroscope, a bike that makes electricity, and many more. On the other side of Research Parkway will be food trucks as well as a small temporary park.

For the children there will be bike decorating, helmet fittings, and a Bike Rodeo led by the Winston-Salem Police Department. A helmet will be given to any child who does not have one. At 2 p.m., younger children can participate in a Trike and Training Wheel parade to show off their decorated bikes. (Be sure to bring a camera!)

Research Parkway, the event location, provides a vital link into the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter on the east side of downtown Winston-Salem. Thanks to the generous donation of these Reynolds Tobacco Company properties, the former factories and other tobacco company buildings are being transformed into contemporary offices, housing  and labs. This event offers a unique opportunity to visit this revitalized area to see how it is changing.

This event (previously called Cycling Sunday) is now in its sixth year and attracts people from all over the region.

So bring your kids, grandkids, friends and family to join in this fun-filled event!

Judi Lawson Wallace is a local freelance writer, author, and biking enthusiast.