Description
Creating urban non-motorized zones designates pedestrian-only or limited-motor-access areas in downtowns, civic plazas, or event corridors, promoting walking and cycling. This strategy can be used as a temporary measure or a long term solution.
Implementation Details
- Establish pedestrian-priority zones in downtown cores to promote walkable tourism, outdoor dining, and public events.
- Implement temporary weekend street closures using removable bollards, signage, and wayfinding in target areas with high foot traffic.
- Pilot pop-up activations with vendors, music, and art to test car-free configurations before permanent conversion. Include traffic circulation plans and business access accommodations.
- Coordinate with local planning departments to adopt flexible zoning overlays that support mixed-use and low-speed streetscape design.
Mitigation Potential
While zone restrictions for private vehicles can be implemented immediately, active transportation infrastructure within those zones will require continued investment and installations. VMT impacts will be incremental as pedestrian priority zones develop. There are not clear methods for quantifying the reduction due to this strategy, however linked strategies to improve the pedestrian network may be considered as a proxy quantification method.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Establishing pedestrian-only zones improves safety and air quality in dense neighborhoods, which are often frontline communities. Frontline communities are those that experience the “first and worst” impacts of climate change and are most often communities of color and / or low-income. These zones can create inclusive public spaces and reduce exposure to traffic-related pollution in areas with higher rates of asthma and limited access to green space. Equitable design requires accessible routes, multilingual signage, and community engagement in planning.
Funding Sources
While inexpensive to close roadways to vehicles and create car-free pedestrian zones, if there is a need to replace the lost on-street parking, the costs could be much higher. Additionally, if the roadways are permanently converted to plaza space the capital costs for paving, landscaping and other amenities significantly increase the cost of the project. Funding sources include the Regional Active Transportation Program (Southern California Association of Governments – Riverside Region), and the Statewide Active Transportation Program (California Transportation Commission).
Examples/Case Studies
Palm Springs Arenas Road and Village Fest
Palm Springs regularly closes portions of Arenas Road and Palm Canyon Drive for its weekly VillageFest, creating a pedestrian-priority zone with flexible programming and vendor access
City of San Mateo: Pedestrian Mall Improvements
The B Street Pedestrian Mall Improvements in San Mateo, California, aim to enhance the pedestrian experience and establish a vibrant, year-round pedestrian-friendly environment on B Street between 1st and 3rd Avenue. The improvements focus on increasing safety, accessibility, and the overall aesthetic appeal for pedestrians, reflecting the city’s commitment to creating a more walkable and engaging urban area.