Car-Free Streets Idea Gains Momentum in Philly

Days after Pope Francis’ visit saw a wide ban of personal vehicles downtown, a petition for car-free street days has garnered major support.

Pedestrians flocked to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey, when it was closed to traffic during Pope Francis’ visit. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

As a visit from Pope Francis upended business as usual in Philadelphia, the city’s residents (those who stayed in town at least) got a compelling peek at what a car-free city might look like as a traffic ban took over downtown streets. The result? Fewer shaking fists and more of a push for a no-vehicle zone, with Mayor Michael Nutter endorsing another crack at some car-free streets — and soon.

A petition, posted online Tuesday, calls for Center City streets to ban cars during some summer weekends in 2016. Created by Open Streets Philly, it currently has over 3,700 signatures.

But news site Philly Voice reports that the Mayor is interested in implementing the idea in 2015 and has asked his team to begin gathering data.

“Mayor Nutter is excited about the possibilities for creating an innovative urban commons on a section of Center City, considerably smaller than the Francis Festival Grounds, for biking, walking, running, skateboarding, rollerblading and a range of programming,” Nutter spokesperson Mark McDonald told Philly Voice.

The man most likely to be Philadelphia’s mayor come January 2016, Jim Kenney, has expressed support for the petition.

Creators of the petition want to avoid the Pope-visit-driven disruptions to public transit and local businesses. Open Streets Philly’s Jake Liefer told Philly Voice they’re advocating for zones that target particular streets and car bans would likely only be in place for part of the day.

“Lots of Center City businesses saw their sales dip over the Papal Festival weekend; we need to include those businesses in planning this from the jump,” reads the petition. “We’re confident Open Streets can be an opportunity for neighborhood businesses to meet new customers and generate new business.”

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Marielle Mondon is an editor and freelance journalist in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared in Philadelphia City Paper, Wild Magazine, and PolicyMic. She previously reported on communities in Northern Manhattan while earning an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University.

Follow Marielle .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Tags: philadelphiacarsbikingwalkability

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1108 other sustainers such as:

  • William in Washington, DC at $10/Month
  • Peter at $5/Month
  • Pilar in Lehigh Acres, FL at $5/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×