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Streetfilms: Going Car-Free in Milwaukee

8:25 AM PDT on August 21, 2008

New York has its Summer Streets Series, Los Angeles has Car Free Wilshire on Earth Day, but for the Livable Streets movement it will need to catch on in places that aren’t some of the largest streets in America.

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.

(First paragraph edited by Damien Newton)

Photo of 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.

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