Oakland to open up 74 miles of city streets to pedestrians and cyclists

With many residents working from home and children out of school, the city of Oakland, California , is closing off 74 miles of its streets to passing cars, making it easier for residents to run, bike or play just in time for the holiday weekend. Oakland’s “slow streets” initiative, announced on Thursday by Mayor Libby Schaaf, will set aside up to 10% of the city’s streets for recreation. Starting this weekend with four specific intersections, affected streets will be closed to thru-traffic. A list of street closures will be published by Oakland’s department of transportation. “Because of the reduction in car traffic, we will be closing off a number of streets so that bicyclists and pedestrians can spread out and take in fresh air safely on Oakland streets, free of cars,” Schaaf said on Thursday. /world/2020/mar/18/coronavirus-the-week-explained-sign-up-for-our-email-newsletter Like many Californians, Bay Area residents have flooded parks and local beaches since a shelter-in-place order took effect in mid-March, prompting officials to close parks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. City officials hope the slow streets initiative – which they are calling an emergency measure – will give residents a safe way to get outdoors for Easter weekend while area […]

Click here to view original web page at Oakland to open up 74 miles of city streets to pedestrians and cyclists