A vehicle-free experiment on Seattle streets this summer

To get people out of their cars and onto their feet, Seattle will close down major thoroughfares on Capitol Hill, in Rainier Valley and Alki for several weekend hours this summer.

"Just for one day, just chill," Mayor Greg Nickels said at a news conference Wednesday, encouraging people to bike, skate, walk, jump rope and make chalk art instead. "This will give people a chance to experience their streets as people, not as cars."

He called it a car-free experiment similar to festivals that shut down streets during the summer.

The streets will be closed to cars, motorcycles and scooters but open to pedestrians, bicycles, skateboarders and Segways. Exceptions will be made for emergency-response vehicles and people with disability placards.

Residents who need local access will also be allowed in with their vehicles.

The Sunday closures are part of a campaign the city launched to encouraging Seattle residents to give their cars a summer vacation.

People who commit to driving less, bicycling, taking mass transit or selling their car can win coupons, a cash card, even a signed proclamation from Nickels.

At least one Alki business was excited about the prospect of operating a store without cars crawling by.

"We hope it will bring new customers to the area via the water taxi," said Christy Pudduck, who runs the Coastal Surf Boutique on Alki and spoke at the news conference with her business partner.

"We are hoping the less-hurried environment will encourage residents in the immediate area to come out."

A large stretch of Alki Avenue Southwest will close to cars Sept. 7, with one lane reserved for the water-taxi shuttle.

On Capitol Hill, the city will close 14th Avenue South near Volunteer Park to cars to coincide with the Peace Concert on Aug. 24.

Rainier Avenue South will close for three hours Aug. 31, the same day as Bicycle Sunday on Lake Washington Boulevard South.

Metro buses will use detour routes.

The parks department, which has already been closing roads to cars to make way for bicyclists, plans to expand the closures to roads in Seward Park and Volunteer Park and increase the number of days they are car-free.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com