Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:
This Bay Area city will join a growing list of others around the country that are closing streets to cars in favor of increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic during the COVID-19 crisis, an official said Thursday.
“We’ll announce an emergency measure that allows Oakland residents more space to walk, bike and run safely through their neighborhoods, and we’re calling it the Oakland Slow Streets” Alexandria McBride, the city’s chief resilience officer, told a town hall meeting held via Zoom video conference.
> Tomorrow, Oakland is announcing 74miles of street closures to permit runners/bikers/walkers to use the streets while maintain social distancing #oaklandflowstreets
Other cities, including St. Paul, Minnesota, and Philadelphia, have taken similar measures, and several other U.S. cities are discussing the possibility.
MoBikeFed comment: Missouri cities, including Kansas City, are also considering closing streets to provide more space for safe walking and bicycling during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Daily outdoor exercise is vital to maintain physical and mental health during the stay-at-home order. But in some areas, parks and trails have become extremely congested. St Louis County was forced to close parks and trails due to crowding.
Opening up miles of streets give citizens space to safely walk, bicycle, run, skate, and scoot while still providing ample room for social distancing.