What are “Open Streets”?

Open Streets programs close streets to cars for an afternoon to open them to pedestrians, cyclists, and active transportation users.

• Open Streets programs have recurring events scheduled weekly, monthly, or yearly to build active transportation as a habit.

• Typically open streets include activities that promote health and community building, though some function as pop-up or pilot active transportation routes.

Benefits

Open Streets get people out of their cars and exploring their community on foot as a way to:

• Promote active transportation as a mode choice.

• Get your community active, mingling and meeting.

• Connect your residents with community groups, services and local businesses.

Find Your “Why?“

Open Streets programs combine the promotion of active transportation and other forms of physical activity with community building.

Common Open Streets goals include:

• Showcasing businesses and amenities within walking or cycling distance.

• Connecting people from adjacent neighborhoods to each other and local community groups.

• Inviting your community to try different physical activity and recreation opportunities in the neighbourhood.

• Piloting a proposed active transportation corridor through your community.

While an event may work towards all these goals simultaneously, focus on one to guide your planning.

There are many reasons to deliver open street events. Whats yours?

Build Your Team

Smooth planning and delivery of an Open Streets project requires teamwork.

Once you have established the goals of your Open Streets project, find individuals and groups to partner with that share your values. The responsibilities of delivering an Open Streets project fall into three categories: Communications, Finance, and Logistics.

Plan Your Route

Once your goals and team are established, it’s time to plan your route.

Consider the following elements:

• Access to your Route

• Activities to bring your route to life.

• Length of Route

• Intersection Management