Warmer weather has arrived in Tompkins County, and we at Bike Walk Tompkins (BWT) have noticed an increase in activity in our parks, trails, and other cherished public spaces. Inspired by public health guidance to stay close to home and the joy of Streets Alive!, BWT is launching a contest to discover the creative ways people are activating the public spaces closest to home—our own streets, sidewalks, and porches—to inspire joy and activity in neighborhoods throughout the county. We also recognize the impact of pandemic and social upheaval many are experiencing as we enter the month of June and encourage positive use of the Streets Alive at Home format for expression and exploration of these feelings as well.
Through the Streets Alive! at Home contest, not only will you have a chance to share your ideas and win great prizes, you will also help to uplift family, friends, and neighbors during this challenging time. Bike Walk Tompkins wants to see all the creative ways you are bringing delight to your neighbors and passers-by who are walking, bicycling, or rolling in front of your house, all while observing Moving Forward Together guidelines from the Tompkins County Health Department.
“We were very sad to cancel Streets Alive! in April,” said Hector Chang of Bike Walk Tompkins. “But just because we can’t be physically close to each other doesn’t mean that the music has to stop, or that the joy of walking or bicycling has to be postponed. We need that more than ever!” He added, “we hope the contest will inspire people to make joy happen and share it with their neighbors on the largest public space we have—our streets. The fun part is figuring out how to do it while staying at least 6 feet apart and not drawing a crowd all at once!”
Have you started a silly walking only-zone in front of your house? Have you performed music for your neighbors from your front porch or the back of a pedicab? How can you make your experiences as an Ithacan come to life in new ways? If you or someone else has done something to activate our shared public space and bring a little cheer to people, Bike Walk Tompkins wants to hear about it, share it, and reward the most creative socially-distanced activities in our county.
Participate in the contest by submitting your finished project or nominating someone else’s project online at www.bikewalktompkins.org/contest. You could win prizes such as Downtown Ithaca or Ithaca To Go gift cards, as well as other local goodies courtesy of Bike Walk Tompkins. All ages are encouraged to enter. Entries must include photos or videos for proof, and BWT will be sharing these on social media to delight and inspire others in our community. The last day to submit entries is June 30, 2020. Full contest details at www.bikewalktompkins.org/contest.
For more information, contact Hector Chang at hector@bikewalktompkins.org or at (607) 301-3181 ext. 1.