'Open Streets' in Markham closes Middlefield Road and Unionville Main Street

Initiative to create cycling and pedestrian-friendly routes in city in effect until September

Yorkreigon.com
Aug. 11, 2021
Heidi Riedner

Middlefield Road will be closed from Highglen Avenue to Denison Street on Sunday, Aug. 15.

The road closure is due to the city's ongoing Open Streets Markham event that runs until September.

In June of 2020, Markham council approved several initiatives to help residents stay active under physical distancing measures during the pandemic.

As a result, the city and its partners are closing and/or restricting traffic on two street segments this year to create cycling and pedestrian-friendly routes designed to help keep people active exploring different parts of Markham.

Middlefield Road “Shared Street” closures remain in effect on Sundays and statutory holidays until Sept. 1.

The initiative also includes drop-in Zumba classes at 10 a.m. and a Markham Cycles Pop-Up community booth from noon to 4 p.m. at the Middlefield Road and Highglen Avenue intersection.

The Markham Cycles crew will be offering simple bike repairs and quick fixes on-site, including brake adjustments, chain oiling, adjusting seat height, pumping up tires and a safety check.

In addition, a few bikes will be available for short-term loan, but bring your own helmet. Sanitized helmets will be provided, if needed, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Main Street Unionville from Carlton Road. to Fred Varley Drive is the other location involved in the program.

Its “Slow Street” program includes traffic-calming measures and increased space for cyclists and pedestrians every day until late September.