Whose Streets? Open, but Maybe Not Yours
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A recent article by a Cornell planning professor examines pandemic-era “Open Streets” initiatives—efforts to close streets to cars so pedestrians could walk, gather, and enjoy outdoor spaces. On the surface, these were celebrated victories for urban life and public space. 🚲🌿
But the reality is more complex:
📍 These programs were overwhelmingly concentrated in high-income, amenity-rich neighborhoods—places that already had abundant advantages.
📍 Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths continued to rise elsewhere, affecting people who rely on walking or cycling because they have no choice, not because they’re seeking a leisurely stroll.
📍 Meanwhile, during the same period, non-white communities faced heavier policing of public space, with long-standing traditions of congregating outdoors disrupted.
In short, Open Streets were an amenity for the privileged, not a solution for the communities that actually need safer, accessible, inclusive streets. Just because it’s “pretty” doesn’t mean it’s enough. ❌
The planning profession is grappling with its historic elitism, and there are leaders striving to infuse equity into public space design. But we must acknowledge how shallow current efforts often remain. Real equity isn’t optional—it’s essential. 🌍
Why? Because Future-Ready communities depend on diversity, inclusion, and creativity. Innovation happens when all voices, perspectives, and experiences are part of the conversation. We need all the brains and ideas we can get to solve the challenges ahead. 💡
📚 Explore these ideas further in:
The Local Economy Revolution Has Arrived
First Principles of the LER
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Your streets, your neighborhoods, your future. Let’s make them open for everyone, not just a few. ✨
