Suddenly, cars aren't the first priority on 10 percent of the roadway in Oakland, California.
[Headline and story updated on April 13, 2020 to better describe the "Oakland Slow Streets" program.]
"Cars will soon be banned from 74 miles of Oakland's residential streets during the coronavirus-inpsired [sic] shelter-in-place, a move bicycle advocates wish would happen in other cities," report Allie Rasmus and Lisa Fernandez.
"The emergency measure, called 'Oakland Slow Streets,' will banish motorized vehicles from 10% of the roadway space in Oakland," according to the article.
Update: cars will not be entirely banished from the streets. Rather, cars will be required to travel at no faster than 10 mph while giving priority to pedestrians and people on bikes, according ot additional information reported by Roger Rudick.
The Oakland Slow Streets program moves Oakland far into the lead of the national trend of cities blocking cars from streets to allow more space for pedestrians and people on bikes. Minneapolis previously opened 18 miles of streets.
Rachel Swan provides additional coverage of the Oakland Slow Streets program in a paywalled article for the San Francisco Chronicle.
FULL STORY: Oakland to close 74 miles of streets to cars, paving way for pedestrians and bicyclists
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The Oakland Slow Streets program, one of the most controversial developments of the early pandemic, has evolved to become the Essential Places initiative, thanks to new planning practices and a commitment to equity in Oakland, California.
Watch Oakland's Slow Streets Program in Action
Oakland offers a model for other streets looking to provide new space for pedestrians and people on bikes to get exercise at a space physical distance.
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Slow streets programs provided a quick short-term solution and paved the way for some permanent street closures and realignments. Now, these programs are getting a second look as community groups react to the changes.
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