A vibrant community event, the “Chung Yuan Christmas Walking Festival,” took place on December 23 along Zhongbei Road in front of Chung Yuan Christian University. Organized by the civil group “Pedestrian Advocacy Association,” with co-sponsorship from Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Yuan Elementary School, and the Chung Yuan University Rover Scout Group, the event transformed Zhongbei Road into a pedestrian-friendly zone for a day.
One side of the street, typically lined with parked scooters, was cleared to allow residents and students to experience the convenience and comfort of a walkable environment. The lively festival offered a preview of the Christmas spirit, bringing joy and fostering a sense of community in the festive atmosphere.
Chung Yuan Christian University emphasized that implementing “people-centered transportation” is key to ensuring road user safety. With tens of thousands of students, as well as a nearby night market and elementary school, the university is deeply concerned about the long-standing lack of sidewalks and bike lanes on Zhongbei Road, which has led to conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles and frequent safety hazards.
Dean Zhao Chia-Lin of the College of Design proposed the “Chung Yuan Vibrant University Town” Zhongbei Road improvement project a decade ago. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local representatives, a dedicated pedestrian-friendly green pavement was finally installed along this section of the road in October this year, significantly enhancing traffic flow and pedestrian safety in front of the university.
The 2024 “Chung Yuan Christmas Walking Festival” was co-organized by the “Pedestrian Advocacy Association” and the “Taoyuan City Pedestrian-Friendly Transportation Promotion Association,” with guidance from the Ministry of the Interior’s National Land Surveying and Mapping Center. The event was made possible through collaborative efforts across various sectors, aiming to promote “people-centered transportation and walkable environments.”
The opening ceremony featured Taoyuan City Government Transportation Bureau Deputy Director Hong Chia-Lu, several local representatives, and Dean Zhao Chia-Lin of Chung Yuan University’s College of Design, who attended alongside department heads and students. Qin Han-Chung, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, delivered remarks on behalf of the university, while teachers and students from the nearby Ryan Deer Kindergarten also joined the celebration.
This event was more than just a festive celebration—it served as a platform to embody the principles of people-centered transportation. Through interactive exhibits and realistic recreations, the festival deepened public understanding of the importance of safe pedestrian spaces for community health and well-being. Creative vendor carts added a cheerful Christmas atmosphere, drawing many students and residents to the event.
Students from Chung Yuan University’s course, “People-Centered Cities: From Concept to Practice,” guided by Dean Zhao Chia-Lin, actively participated in the design and execution of the event. One student remarked that, after years of studying at Chung Yuan, this was the first time she experienced an unobstructed pedestrian path, which reinforced her appreciation of the significance and value of people-centered transportation.
