Cities around the U.S. — like Minneapolis, New York City, Oakland, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Louisville, to name a few — are creating more space for their residents by readjusting the functionality of some of their streets into what are called “open streets.” Open streets are long overdue in Chicago, and in light of social distancing needs created by COVID-19, this has never been more urgent.

What are open streets?

Open streets create safe walking and biking spaces on roads by reducing or eliminating street space dedicated to vehicular traffic. The result is a space where residents can run errands, commute by bike or foot, exercise, play or simply enjoy the outdoors without the safety risks created by automobiles.

Why does Chicago need open streets?

There’s never been a more urgent need for safe, ample space to move about. Chicago’s streets are largely devoted to cars, with narrow sidewalks limiting the space in which the people who live here can safely move about. With orders from the government to maintain a six-foot distance from others as part of COVID-19 social distancing efforts, Chicagoans have quickly found out that there’s simply not enough space accommodate them and their neighbors safely.

We’re being put in a position to choose whether we break social distancing and risk contracting or transmitting COVID-19, or move into the streets and risk being hit by a car.

This no-win situation has a solution: open streets that provide the space we need to move about while still adhering to social distancing requirements, without the risks presented by cars.

Isn’t it hard to create an open street?

The beauty of open streets is that they are fast and inexpensive to create. The a-frame barriers and metal barricades the city is currently using to cut off parks and trails can be repurposed. Bollards and jersey barriers can provide quick separation or protection on wide streets.

What streets should become open streets?

We’ve heard suggestions for parts of Clark, Sheridan, Milwaukee, Western, 35th, Archer, 79th, and 95th. Some have also suggested limiting some neighborhood streets to local-traffic only.

Have an idea? CDOT has opened a COVID-19 Mobility Hotline - let them know your suggestions!

Aren’t open streets unfair to drivers?

No. While open streets — which are often well-suited for residential streets with fewer businesses — may require a driver to drive an extra block to get to their destination, the benefits are felt by all - including drivers. When pedestrians and cyclists have the space they need to move about, neither they nor drivers must worry about collisions with one another.

How can I tell Chicago I want open streets?

Better Streets Chicago has made it easy for you to email Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Transportation to let them know you want to see open streets. It takes less than 2 minutes to complete.