In an initiative to encourage people to step out of their cars and engage in some exercise, the 2010 “Sunday Streets” program – being touted as an exciting, safe, ‘car-free’ way by which families can explore their vicinity - commenced in San Francisco on Sunday, March 14.

The “Sunday Streets” program, which has moved into its third year, lured a majority of San Francisco residents and many Bay Area neighbors to take advantage of the sunny skies and the mid-60 temperatures.

Virtually a street party of sorts, 2010’s first “Sunday Streets” event witnessed the normally tourist-bunged roads around Fisherman’s Wharf being taken over by the local residents who came out in notable numbers to benefit from the street closures that blocked off over three miles of the Embarcadero.

The initiative saw the northern lanes of the Embarcadero - from Fisherman's Wharf to China Basin south of AT&T Park to Pier 39 – being practically dominated by pedestrians, bikers, skaters and others, for five hours.

In addition, to make the “Sunday Streets” program more enticing for the residents, the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District and Pier 39 organized various family-friendly events – like magic shows, a rock-climbing wall, a human-powered merry-go-round, and juggling workshops.

Commenting on the ‘awesome’ program, California Outdoor Roller Sports Association’s David Miles said: “The whole thing is to use our streets and provide activities for people.”