Transportation experts have released a guidebook exploring policies to help communities get the most out of street space during the pandemic.

Sincere reductions in car traffic and a need for recreation and open space have led some in the transportation and planning fields to consider reorganizing streets. The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has published a guidebook that explores some of the emerging trends in urban transportation and street use resulting from the pandemic. The document examines several ways urban areas are attempting to get the most our of their street space through initiatives like slow streets, adding more bike lanes, extending sidewalks, and facilitating outdoor dining. NACTO suggests that these strategies can allow for social distancing and also help restore the business community. The guidebook describes the strategies and how to implement them with some examples from successes around the world.

From the guidebook:

They [cities] are changing their streets over the course of days to help their residents stay safe in a time of crisis and to prepare people and societies for the health, social, and economic recovery ahead. These emerging street design and transportation practices are at the front lines of cities’ defense against this coronavirus, essential to preventing future outbreaks and an integral part of our total public health response.

Useful Links:

NACTO: Streets for Pandemic Response & Recovery

Baltimore City Council Bill Would Open More Roads to Pedestrians During Pandemic