This story was updated on Aug. 2.

A major D.C. road will close to vehicle traffic on a Saturday this fall with events that aim to get residents thinking differently about streets.

Georgia Avenue NW from near Howard University to Missouri Ave NW will close from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 5. Streets one block east and west off Georgia Avenue will also be closed.

It’s D.C.’s first Open Streets event, a program that turns streets over to the people for activity other than traffic.

“Open Streets is a unique event that will allow residents and businesses to reimagine public roads as community spaces and to consider new possibilities about the future of transportation and infrastructure in our city,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a release. “Together, at a fun, family-friendly event, we can explore the benefits of having fewer cars on our roads.”

Open Streets will feature interactive activities including bike and scooter demonstrations, free bike repairs, an obstacle course, fitness classes and other educational/entertainment programming.

The nonprofit District Bridges is helping run the event and conduct public outreach ahead of Oct. 5.

About 20,000 to 25,000 vehicles drive on the three-mile stretch on an average day, according to District Department of Transportation data.

Georgia Avenue is not known for its pedestrian friendliness. The posted speed limit is 30 mph, but vehicles often drive 40 or even 50 mph down the stretch that connects Silver Spring and U Street. Several places along the Avenue have painted, but un-signaled pedestrian crossings, which can be dangerous to cross.”

In March, DDOT asked nonprofits to submit ideas for open streets event. The proposals could go up to $65,000 for “planning, coordination and other support to implement an open streets event.

“The concept originated in Bogotá, Columbia in 1976 and has been replicated throughout cities around the world,” DDOT’s grant application said. “In October 2018 Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero working group recommended Open Streets as a strategy to increase transportation safety and awareness.”

In Bogotá, certain main streets are shut down for a portion of Sundays and public holidays so cyclists, runners and others can take over the street. It’s paired with exercise classes, music, and vendors.

Baltimore’s Roland Park neighborhood has put on numerous “ciclovia” events in recent years.

The grant said organizers must plan at least ten events that could include organized cycling rides, bicycle instruction/lessons, “traffic gardens,” exercise classes, etc.

“Open Streets is another opportunity for us to raise awareness about Vision Zero and our efforts to create safe streets across all eight wards,” said District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian. “By introducing new and different ways to use the roadway, it gives us an idea of how our streets will look when we depend less on vehicles, and use more sustainable, active modes of transportation.”

This story first appeared on WAMU. It has been updated with additional details from the mayor’s office.