Public Health Benefits of Car-Free Streets
The idea of cars-free streets is not new. It has been around for decades. But only recently have advocates of this movement been able to prove that it can actually make a positive impact on public health. Here are some of the benefits of car-free streets. Check out our infographic to learn more. Also, check out the benefits of Pedestrian-focused streets.
Car-free zones
Some cities may worry that a car-free street could affect their business. However, a California study shows that such streets are safer. According to the study Valencia Street saw an 18.5% increase in consumer interest during its four-night closure to vehicles. This initiative has been extended, and has contributed to the overall consumer interest in the neighborhood. The street is now open to vehicles, which has led to increased consumer interest.
For example, Charlottesville, Virginia, has an eight-block car-free zone that’s pedestrian-friendly and designed by Lawrence Halprin & Associates. The area has a pedestrian-friendly downtown mall and sixty-foot-wide Main Street, complete with brick storefronts, inviting seating areas, and trees. In fact, many businesses are pedestrian-friendly, and the Charlottesville Mall is pedestrian-friendly. Some cities go one step further.
One initiative in New York City is to make its streets car-free for all but cars. This initiative has been controversial. The lack of public input caused controversy about the city’s Stay Healthy Streets program. Moreover, the benefits were concentrated in white and rich areas. Yet, car-free streets in the city have become a popular attraction for people who want to take a break from driving. If New York is looking to implement a similar program, then it should be well-designed.
Pedestrian-focused street design
Pedestrian-focused street design has long been a feature of European cities. Implementing such designs in the United States can be difficult due to factors that are absent within most car-centric areas. Jason Thompson, a senior researcher at the University of Melbourne, studied 1,700 cities to determine the factors that favor a carless street design. These are the three factors that make it difficult to implement pedestrian-focused street design in the U.S.
Regardless of the number of studies on the design of urban streets, the study results point to the importance of incorporating pedestrian preferences into the design of urban streets. For example, through lanes are the most important determinant of street attractiveness. Pedestrians prefer transit lanes over car-exclusive ones. It is important to have a balanced mix of both car- and transit lanes in areas where there is high demand. Ultimately, pedestrian-focused street design can enhance the quality of urban life by promoting a walkable community.
Optimal pedestrian-friendly streets should be multifunctional and be able to accommodate all users. Although pedestrian-friendly streets are more efficient that cars, they still require sufficient space for cars and pedestrians to pass. A city’s streets must be safe, attractive, efficient, and pleasant for pedestrians. Pedestrian-friendly streets are often characterized by a small number of commercial buildings, with minimal setbacks. Pedestrian-friendly street design should be characterized by buildings that face the sidewalk.
Public health benefits
A car-free day can have a positive impact on air quality and public health. These streets will have fewer cars and less greenhouse gases, which can help combat global warming. While the immediate benefits are not immediately apparent, they are worth considering for human health. Let’s look at just a few ways these new streets can improve health. Below are some examples of how they can help.
One of the most controversial aspects of automobility has been the lack of public safety and pollution. Opponents of auto mobility have been mobilizing for decades to limit its negative effects. One example of the growing benefits to public health is the Dutch “stop child killing” movement. Numerous car-free initiatives were started in the 1970s, and expanded to Europe in the 1990s. Car-free areas not only improve health but also reduce pollution and safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in motor vehicle traffic. At the same time, a demand for outdoor recreational space has increased. In response, some cities have begun closing down their streets to cars. This has a number health benefits including increased productivity and patronage for downtown businesses. As an added benefit, many city-center residents feel safer because of the absence of cars. A traffic-free environment encourages people walking, biking, or taking the bus.