Seattle’s ‘Stay Healthy Streets’ program is expanding this weekend; 1st Ave NW in Greenwood between NW 73rd and NW 100th is closing to thru-traffic starting today while the stay-home order is in effect.
The Stay Healthy Streets program started last weekend, with the City closing streets to cars in the Central District, West Seattle and High Point, and Green Lake. The City’s goal is to convert 15 miles of city streets to walking and biking—this weekend, they’re adding a few more neighborhood streets to the Stay Healthy Streets program, including Greenwood, Othello and Rainier Beach, and Beacon Hill.
Streets are closed to vehicle traffic 24/7, however, residential access and deliveries are still permitted on the closed streets.
SDOT says the selected streets were chosen to “amplify outdoor exercise opportunities for areas with limited open space options, low car ownership and routes connecting people to essential services and food take out.” SDOT ensured that the closures would not impact newly opened food pickup loading zones, parking around hospitals for residents and health care professionals, and bus routes.
The City is also seeking volunteers to confirm road closure signs remain in place, to conduct pedestrian and bicycling counts, take photos and share vignettes. To volunteer, email NorthSeattleGreenway@Seattle.gov. They say the counts will be used to monitor the success of the program, along with gathering resident feedback, and determining any traffic impacts where vehicles are detoured.
Photo: SDOT
This is awesome! This is a really cool program that makes the city inviting and safe!
what are you 12 years old?
Exactly! Pandemics are awesome. Clean air, lower CO2 emissions, fewer cars on the streets. So good for the environment!
All that and so few downsides!
“Never let a good crisis go to waste” Rahm Emanuel.
You caught me Paintking. My dastardly scheme to let all people use a large public space typically reserved for a few people in cars at a time few people are driving has been unveiled. I would have gotten away with it too if it wasn’t for you meddling boomer and your Fox News.
Closing streets is as effective as sunlight for fighting the virus, and safer than drinking bleach. So a Grade of D for this distraction.
Drinking bleach eh? I like to disregard warning labels on things and often use my hair dryer in the shower. Running with scissors? A specialty of mine. Month old milk? No problem. Just sit by your radio and wait for your next Inslee marching order.
Had to drop off some food over in Greenwood and saw the closed street there. Looked like folks were putting it to good use. Nice idea.