Open Streets Pittsburgh Changing Route For Final Event Of Summer

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Every day you hear about the importance of getting out and getting active. But where do you begin?

Well, the final Open Streets Pittsburgh event of the season is a good place to start.

In just two years, Open Streets has become a beloved tradition.

"People can socialize. They can exercise. They can hang out with their friends. They can hang out with their families. They can shop -- all car free," Bike Pittsburgh Executive Director Scott Bricker said.

It literally is simple as closing the streets to traffic to allow people to go wherever they want to go.

"It doesn't matter what you like to do -- if you want to come out and do a walk, if you want to run, if you want to ride your bike, whatever you want to do, Open Streets Pittsburgh is the thing to do," Highmark's Alex Matthews said.

The traditional route has been along Penn Avenue and the Strip District, but this weekend, they are going to shake things up a little bit.

"It's going from Downtown to the North Side to the West End across two bridges, car free, and three miles of open streets, and it's just going to be magnificent," Bricker said.

You don't have to ride your bike. Thousands choose to walk, run, skateboard or rollerblade through the streets.

"People come out with scooters, with tricycles and their kids and they jog and run and there are event hubs where people do Zumba and yoga and exercise classes, CrossFit classes. So, whatever you want to do, go for it," Bricker said.

It's more than just having fun. It's a different way to get out and about with exercise coming as a valuable added benefit. Plus, it is free and there is no beginning or end.

"You can start anywhere. You can start in the West End. You can start Downtown. You can start on the North Side and then go whichever way you want to go," Matthews said.

The final Open Streets of the summer will be held on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

If you can't make it, don't worry. There will be more Open Streets events next spring.

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