This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
As cities navigate the challenges of the pandemic, a silver lining has emerged: the chance to rethink urban planning and prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.
For decades, the movement of tactical urbanism has been seizing moments of opportunity to improve urban life. From closing streets to traffic to converting vacant lots into parks, these initiatives have shown people the benefits of change, shifting the political dynamic in favor of more permanent alterations.
One notable example is New York City's 2009 decision to close several blocks of Broadway to traffic. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of New Yorkers flooding the street and delighting in the temporary transformation. This vision of a Broadway for people has endured, with the blocks through Times Square remaining closed to traffic for over a decade.
Similarly, tactical urbanist projects around the world have led to closed streets, new parks, and other amenities. A significant portion of these projects involve reclaiming public space from the automobile, which dominates city streets. With the pandemic-induced decline in traffic, cities now have a unique opportunity to rebalance the urban landscape and create streets that work for everyone.
Government leaders must prioritize poor neighborhoods, which often lack parks and sports fields. A street with few or no cars can be a godsend for children, providing a safe space for play and recreation. By making these temporary changes permanent, cities can create a more equitable and sustainable urban environment.
