FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2014

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Carrie McCausland, Media and Communications, cmccausland@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Pedestrian and Bicyclists Take to Waterfront Roads at Downtown to Defiance on Sunday, Sept. 28

Excitement builds as Tacoma prepares to walk, run, bike or roll the Downtown to Defiance, a free Sunday Parkways event on Sept.28.  This open streets event will close portions of waterfront streets,including Ruston Way and Schuster Parkway, from 8 a.m. to noon to motor vehicles to allow people and human-powered vehicles to enjoy seven continuous miles of waterfront from Point Defiance Park to the south end of the Foss Esplanade. Families can enjoy programmed activities along the way and a celebration in the Point Defiance bowl will take place from 8 a.m. to noon.

The City of Tacoma, Metro Parks Tacoma, and Downtown On the Go have joined forces for the second year to host the human-powered transportation event. More than 500 participants have already pre-registered at DowntowntoDefiance.com for the event, which is sponsored in part by The Russell Family Foundation,Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club, US Bank, KPG, SvR and First Night Tacoma.

This year, participants will start and end at Point Defiance Park. They’re encouraged to gather at 7:30 a.m. for a celebratory kickoff, where breakfast food trucks will offer tasty fuel foods,for a few words of welcome by Tacoma City Council Member David Boe beginning at 8 a.m. However, attendees may also join the event at any point along the route between 8 a.m. and noon.

Metro Parks Tacoma, the Tacoma Art Museum, and others will offer activities at Marine, Dickman Mill, and South 21st Street parks for participants to get creative, get in touch nature, and get physical with aerobic activity. Tacoma’s cycling and skateboard shops will also provide small services at each stop. Participants can top off their ride with a festive celebration in the Point Defiance Park bowl from 10 a.m. to noon featuring live music, games and food vendors.

The Rainier Riders will host a longer fast ride for the “spandex” crowd at 8:05 a.m. and the Velo Femmes are hosting a woman’s ride at 8:15 a.m. And, as always, Five Mile Drive will be closed to vehicles until 1 p.m. on Sunday. 

Registration is requested at DowntowntoDefiance.com. Those with questions may contact the City of Tacoma’s Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability Active Transportation Coordinator Diane Wiatr at dwiatr@cityoftacoma.org.

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