So last Sunday, almost the entire length of 30th Street (in San Diego) was closed down to automobile traffic to make way for pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters, skateboarders, joggers, etc. The city and other powers that be decided that opening up the local roads to citizens to walk and window shop would be a great way to promote local businesses and help people appreciate their city just a bit more. Having lived on 30th Street for over seven years, I can tell you, not only was it a pleasant change from all the bus, motorcycle, and car noises, but it also gave me a different perspective on my neighborhood.
Usually, my street is bustling and humming with activity. It's a non-stop cavalcade of noise. Most of the time I can block it out. Other times, as with the really annoying straight pipe motorcycle guy that comes blasting through at 50 miles an hour, the cacophony is so disruptive, I simply must endure it until the ruckus passes. But on August 11th, blissful peace and quiet reigned along that thoroughfare. I woke up not to the strained bellowing of a bus trying to make it up the hill, but to laughing cyclists and joggers moving right down the center of the street, along the solid double yellow lines.
After a while I decided to join the procession. I stepped out off the curb and onto the usually crowded road. With the passing by of so many people the instinctive need to 'look both ways' didn't even cross my mind. I walked for almost a half mile before I realized I should snap some photos of this event. After all, it isn't every day you witness this type of thing.
Usually, my street is bustling and humming with activity. It's a non-stop cavalcade of noise. Most of the time I can block it out. Other times, as with the really annoying straight pipe motorcycle guy that comes blasting through at 50 miles an hour, the cacophony is so disruptive, I simply must endure it until the ruckus passes. But on August 11th, blissful peace and quiet reigned along that thoroughfare. I woke up not to the strained bellowing of a bus trying to make it up the hill, but to laughing cyclists and joggers moving right down the center of the street, along the solid double yellow lines.
After a while I decided to join the procession. I stepped out off the curb and onto the usually crowded road. With the passing by of so many people the instinctive need to 'look both ways' didn't even cross my mind. I walked for almost a half mile before I realized I should snap some photos of this event. After all, it isn't every day you witness this type of thing.
This intersection is usually backed up with cars in all four directions.
A bicyclist riding the line on any other day may get run over; at the very least horns would be a blazing.
Just the vast emptiness of this one, with the people off in the distance in both lanes struck me.
The truly bold businesses opened up stands to pedal their wares to passersby.
I found this shot to be the most interesting. Not because there's so many bikes, but because this spot is usually quite empty of activity and people presence.
I walked for about three miles in total. Seeing that busy street empty of cars and their accompanying noise I could just relax and enjoy the neighborhood. The silence reminded me just how peaceful San Diego can be (when you don't live on a busy street). It just goes to show that even in a large urban area, there are opportunities to enjoy the quiet life. I don't expect to see this happen again any time soon, but it was fun. The look on people's faces and the obvious release of tension and stress really made the whole experience worth it. Maybe next time I'll go for a bike ride instead of walking. And I'll go from end to end, just to get the full experience.
Thanks for reading.
Questions and Comments are welcome.
