10 Bay Area "Slow Streets"

Cities across the US are temporarily restricting or reducing traffic on designated roads to provide additional space for residents to get fresh air while maintaining a safe distance amid the COVID-19 crisis. Here are 10 “Slow Street” programs in the Bay Area you can visit today.

ALAMEDA

Slow Streets Alameda is a pilot program implementing "soft" closures of select Alameda streets to through traffic to facilitate physical distancing of more than 6 feet during the COVID-19 emergency. It is expected to last through October 31, 2021.

---

BERKELEY

Healthy Streets is a public health emergency response program that creates more opportunity for Berkeleyans to safely get exercise, sunshine, and fresh air during the pandemic. As the network expands, it will allow more Berkeleyans to get to essential jobs and services.

---

Golden Gate Park

In an effort to create safer spaces for people to recreate during the City’s COVID-19 response, we’re providing a virtually car-free route from one end of the park to the other, from Stanyan Street at the east end of the park, to Ocean Beach and the Great Highway at the west end. Run, stroll or roll--- anyone, including bikers, joggers, pedestrians and skaters, can use this route and enjoy nature while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

---

Novato

The City of Novato, in partnership with the Downtown Novato Business Association (DNBA), is pleased to announce the return of the Weekends on Grant temporary street closure program. Grant Avenue will be closed between Reichert and Machin Avenues to create pedestrian-only access each weekend from 4pm on Fridays to 7am on Mondays (weather permitting).

---

OAKLAND

Slow Streets Program is intended to support safe physical activity by creating more space for physical distancing for all Oaklanders by declaring that all Slow Streets with and without soft closure barriers are Closed to Through Traffic so that people can more comfortably use these low-traffic streets for physically distant walking, wheelchair rolling, jogging, and biking all across the City.

---

PETALUMA

The Slow Street designation will allow people to more comfortably use these low-traffic streets for physically distant walking, wheelchair rolling, jogging, and biking in designated areas. And the reduced traffic and increased awareness will improve safety and reduce accidents while people spread out to exercise outside.

---

REDWOOD CITY

Pilot program to encourage reduced driving on a few streets, while the Shelter-in-Place Order is in effect. The intent of the Slow Streets program is to allow residents to more safely walk and bike with members of their households on already low-traffic streets.

---

SAN FRANCISCO

The Slow Streets program is designed to limit through traffic on certain residential streets and allow them to be used more as a shared space for foot and bicycle traffic.

---

San Rafael

The Dining Under the Lights program has now expanded to Friday nights! It will run every Thursday and Friday night, from now to the end of October. We were able to expand it because of the overwhelming support of the local community in maintaining safe distances and wearing masks, except while eating.

---

THE PRESIDIO

Parks are vital to our health and well-being, especially in stressful times. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Presidio remains open for exercise and outdoor activities.