9 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 ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here are 9 “Slow Street” programs in the Bay Area you can visit today.

ALAMEDA

Slow Streets Alameda is a program implementing "soft" closures of select Alameda streets to through traffic. It was originally implemented to facilitate physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. By limiting automobile traffic on these streets, the City is creating more places for our community to safely walk, run, bike, scooter and roll to provide safer and more sustainable ways for everyone to get around.

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Golden Gate Park

A car-free route along a portion of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park has existed since 1967, when street closures began every Sunday, on many Saturdays and during holidays and special events, allowing park visitors of all ages and abilities to use the roadway free of car traffic. In 2020, as the city grappled with the COVID pandemic, this portion of JFK, along with other roads in the park, were closed to vehicle traffic seven days a week.

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Novato

The Living Streets Program by reducing the regular street closures from every Friday-Sunday to only the first Friday of each month May – September from 5pm to 10pm. The next regular closure of Grant Avenue between Machin & Reichert Avenues will occur on Friday, June 3 at 5pm.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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San Rafael

The Downtown San Rafael "Dining Under the Lights" summer block party is a monthly FREE event where parts of 4th Street and B Street will be closed.  Local restaurants will set up tables on the street with live bands nearby to entertain the crowds.  Enjoy a variety of food and drink options from the Downtown Restaurants, which may include specialties like barbecue, ice cream, tacos, and more. There will also be a maker’s marketplace, games, and activities for people of all ages, making it a fun and enjoyable outdoor event for the entire family.

The "Dining Under the Lights" summer block parties bring people together in our local community, support small businesses, and celebrate the warm summer weather. Explore new foods and flavors while having fun with friends and family in our amazing Downtown.

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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.