Open Streets
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Better Streets Chicago is a new advocacy group with a pro-open streets agenda
"We’ve been disappointed by the city's failure to take seriously the needs of Chicagoans get where they need to go while maintaining a safe distance from each other and from cars."
May 14, 2020
Map: What could a Slow Streets network look like in Chicago?
This map some potential Slow Streets routes in the central city, including side streets and park roads where through traffic could be prohibited during Stay at Home.
May 13, 2020
An architecture firm proposes guidelines for a Chicago open streets plan
Hammersley Architecture recently drafted a Chicago Promenade Plan for a network of streets where through traffic is prohibited to make room for pedestrians and cyclists.
May 12, 2020
Ahmaud Arbery’s death, mobility justice, and the open streets debate
For Black and Brown people to feel completely safe walking, biking, or just existing in public space, we need to make fundamental changes in the way our society is structured.
May 11, 2020
What do ATA’s peer organizations across the country think of open streets?
We talked to transportation advocacy organizations in Oakland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Madison, Wisconsin.
May 8, 2020
Welcome to the party: ATA finally gets on board with advocating for Open Streets
The Active Transportation Alliance previously said pushing for more space for walk/bike during the pandemic was "inappropriate," but now that they're on the right page, we're willing to let it slide.
May 6, 2020
ATA drops opposition to open streets, but its lukewarm new stance is still disappointing
While the Active Transportation Alliance says it's "excited" by the global open streets movement, it passes the buck on actually advocating it, and provides a long list of potential downsides.
May 1, 2020
A summit on open streets with Lynda Lopez, Naomi Doerner, and Ayanna Pressley
The conversation focused on the importance -- and challenges -- of identifying the unique problems faced by different communities and addressing them accordingly.
May 1, 2020
A tale of two Chicagos: The South and West sides have different pandemic priorities than the North Side
There are multiple reasons why open street may not be a pressing concern for Black and Latinx Chicago residents during the pandemic, but it can be part of the solution for improving access to open space.
April 17, 2020
MPC, Council on Global Affairs staffers urge the city to open streets during pandemic
Sidewalks, parks, and trails are crowded in Chicago, and speeding and sever crashes are up. Local transportation leaders say it's time for an open streets program.
April 16, 2020