Seattle Permanently Closes Streets To Cars As U.S. Cities Create More Open Spaces During Coronavirus

TOPLINE

Cities across the U.S. are closing off streets to cars so residents have room to exercise amid the coronavirus pandemic, but Seattle is going a step further by permanently closing 20 miles of streets to most vehicles.

KEY FACTS

CRUCIAL QUOTE

“As we assess how to make the changes that have kept us safe and healthy sustainable for the long term, we must ensure Seattle is rebuilding better than before,” Durkan said in a statement. “[The pedestrianized streets] are an important tool for families in our neighborhoods to get outside, get some exercise and enjoy the nice weather. Over the long term, these streets will become treasured assets in our neighborhoods.”

KEY BACKGROUND

According to data collected by Arity, a mobility intelligence firm, the number of miles driven by Americans dropped off steeply after March 8, roughly a week after the U.S. reported its first coronavirus death.

This allowed for more city streets to be opened to pedestrians. However, miles driven steadily ticked up by about 16% in April, perhaps as Americans experience “quarantine fatigue” and states begin to slowly reopen their economies. FURTHER READING

Seattle will permanently close 20 miles of residential streets to most vehicle traffic (Seattle Times)

Seattle to permanently close 20 miles of streets to traffic so residents can exercise and bike on them (CNN)

New York City Is Latest To Close Some Streets To Cars, Making More Space For People (NPR)

Cities Close Streets to Cars, Opening Space for Social Distancing (New York Times)