Miami Beach Could Permanently Pedestrianize Ocean Drive

The city banned vehicle traffic from the popular street during the pandemic. Now, transportation planners hope to make the change permanent as part of a new plan to prioritize pedestrians and improve transportation in the Entertainment District.

1 minute read

December 30, 2020, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Pedestrianized Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

A rendering by architect Chris Ritter shows the planned redesign of Ocean Drive. | Chris Ritter / Rendering of Pedestrianized Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

After a temporary experiment earlier this year, the city of Miami Beach is considering making Ocean Drive a permanent pedestrian promenade. A rendering by Chris Ritter shows the street as a single-level, pedestrian-only avenue lined with outdoor seating and green spaces. After seeing the importance of outdoor public spaces during the pandemic, the city hopes to "activate the area in a positive way" and promote increased foot traffic to local businesses, according to Jose Gonzales, the city's Transportation Director.

Even before the temporary closure to cars, pedestrians made up 62% of Ocean Drive's users. The new plan to eliminate car traffic and level the street to allow for more outdoor seating areas will enhance existing uses and move forward the city's 2016 Transportation Master Plan, which called for prioritizing pedestrian traffic on Ocean Drive and moving freight and transit to Collins and Washington Avenues. The plan also looks at long-term solutions for emergency vehicle access, delivery and valet services, and improved bike and transit infrastructure on adjacent streets.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 in The Next Miami

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.