Pedestrian Malls in the 21st Century

The successes and failures of past pedestrian malls can inform the future of pandemic-induced "open streets" programs.

2 minute read

September 26, 2021, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Madrid Pedestrian Street

EURIST e.V. / Flickr

The COVID-19 pandemic, writes Stephan Schmidt, emphasized the importance of public, outdoor space as cities around the world opened previously car-centric streets to pedestrians and reimagined street space as more than a way to move cars from place to place. "Alternatively referred to as slow, open, shared or active streets, many of these pandemic-inspired closures were successful, and several cities opted to continue these street changes over the course of the summer."

Now, "as summer ends and cities continue to reopen, local officials will need to decide whether to revert to the status quo or make the often-popular pedestrianized corridors permanent."

Describing the history of American pedestrian malls and their rise and fall during the 1960s through 1990s, Stephan Schmidt draws comparisons to today's pandemic streets, taking lessons from the successes and failures of the past to inform our current car-free projects. Cities, Schmidt writes, can "utilize design interventions to create more desirable pedestrian environments" and support car-free areas.

Based on his research, Schmidt describes four elements of successful pedestrian malls. These include "creating a sense of enclosure and requiring the use of ground-floor windows to increase transparency," protection from weather and varied seating options, visual appeal created through landscaping, and programmed activities. He also recommends that pedestrian malls seek connections with adjacent properties to reduce a feeling of isolation and increase pedestrian traffic.

"Many downtowns and central business districts now have more full-time residents than they did in decades past, a density boost that bodes well for this new wave of shared streets. Officials must weigh many factors as they bring their urban centers back to 'normal,' but they should remember that, for many, normal means experiencing the city via a car-free public space."

Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Bloomberg CityLab

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6 - Honolulu Civil Beat

View of wide street in downtown Boise, Idaho with state capitol visible at end of street and blurred traffic going both directions at dusk.

Idaho Data: Unexpected Vehicle Repairs Exacerbate Housing Instability, Eviction Risk

Over 21 percent of clients struggle with transportation barriers.

April 6 - Idaho Capital Sun

Small, brightly lit bedroom with flowery sheets on single bed in supportive housing or nursing home.

A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing

The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.

April 6 - The New York Times