Sunday Streets is a series of open-street events started in San Francisco (est. 2008) where stretches of city streets are temporarily closed to car traffic and opened up for people to enjoy walking, biking, skating, and other activities. The events put focus on:
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Active living: They promote healthy lifestyles
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Car-free spaces: Sunday Streets reclaim typically congested streets for community use and enjoyment
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Community hubs: Routes feature activity hubs with free recreational activities, health resources, live music, dance performances, and more, provided by local nonprofits, businesses, and community groups.
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Neighborhood exploration: They offer a chance to explore different neighborhoods in a unique way and connect with local businesses and organizations.
The program was inspired by Bogotá, Colombia's Ciclovía, a similar initiative that closes streets to traffic for recreational purposes. Open street programs are becoming increasingly popular in cities across the United States and around the world, and are being held in Minneapolis, Berkeley, New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle as well as Paris and Dubai.
HISTORY: Since starting the program in 2008 with two events along the waterfront, the nonprofit Livable City has grown Sunday Streets into one of North America's premiere open street programs serving 100,000 residents in diverse neighborhoods across San Francisco. Sunday Streets, San Francisco's open streets initiative, began in 2008 as a way to address public health concerns and promote sustainability by temporarily closing streets to vehicle traffic and opening them for recreational and community activities. Inspired by Bogotá's CiclovÃa, the program has grown into a series of events held in various neighborhoods throughout the city, offering free activities and opportunities for residents to connect and enjoy public spaces according to Sunday Streets SF.
DIFFERENT OPTIONS:
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Los Angeles, transforms the city's streets into car-free public spaces.
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Berkeley, allows residents to walk, bike, and play in a car-free environment, promoting physical activity and community interaction.
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Minneapolis, transforms major city streets into car-free places for a day, providing space for community and play.
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Seattle, Hosts Bicycle Weekends, closing streets to cars for cyclists and pedestrians.
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New York City, turns streets into public spaces for various activities, promoting economic development, supporting schools, and offering cultural and community programs.
EXAMPLES OF PLAID FRIDAY CAMPAIGNS:
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