Dallas Launches 'Slow Streets' Pilot Program

The new slow streets program in Dallas uses community input to create locations for slow streets, each designed to encourage physical activity while maintaining safe distance.

1 minute read

June 12, 2020, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Playground Closed

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"If you would like to shut down your street to make it safer and to give you and your neighbors a [sic] some additional public recreation space, all you have to do is ask," reports Peter Simek. 

"The city of Dallas has partnered with Better Block, Bike DFW, Amanda Popken Development, and a Coalition for a New Dallas (yes, that coalition) to launch the Dallas Slow Streets pilot program," explains Simek. "The initial program is open to 10 streets in 10 Dallas neighborhoods, and they will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. To be considered you have to prove that you have the support of 25 percent of your neighbors. " 

The pilot program took some time in developing. A Dallas Morning News editorial, for instance, called on the city to increase the ratio of neighborhood support to 50 percent. Simek also notes that a proposal earlier in the pandemic to close Seventh St. in Oak Cliff to automobile traffic created controversy online.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020 in D Magazine

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