This past Sunday, August 25, I rode my bicycle with my family to our Town Center. I was amazed at what
I witnessed. Bike West Hartford created a widely successful event that allowed residents to bike or
walk on designated streets in the Center.
Imagine if we had a permanent walking mall with bike paths on LaSalle Road on designated summer weekends or even
365 days a year? Pedestrian and bike only access; live music in the street, and local business owners
setting up tents curbside. Cities around our country are joining in these pedestrian-friendly zones. This
change with help to promote and encourage people to replace daily car trips with healthy alternatives
such as bicycling and walking. Open roads will also give us a better opportunity to explore West
Hartford’s local business. From California to Denver to New York, this is happening. We need to be at
the forefront of this movement.
In speaking with business owners, town residents, and municipal workers, this would be a welcomed
feature and alternative to the area and town. The ability to utilize open space for expansion of current
tenants, create more room for on-going community events and the utilization of local parking garages.
We would help to mitigate congestion, traffic incidents and provide an area for ease of patrolling. This
would be a business and community initiative I will pursue if elected to the Town Council.
