The famous cruising strip was off-limits to cars during the pandemic. Now, the city is letting vehicles return with some pedestrian-oriented compromises.
"Like many cities around the world, Miami Beach responded to the Covid-19 crisis by transforming what was once a busy thoroughfare into a car-free space, allowing walkers, bikers and rollerbladers to roam free, and restaurants to expand their outdoor seating offerings." But starting January 24, the city will bring back one-way traffic on a ten-block portion of Ocean Drive, but with some pedestrian-friendly adjustments, reports Sarah Holder. The city is adding two-way bike lanes and keeping one block pedestrian-only.
The transformation of Ocean Drive into a 'slow street' drew both praise and criticism from locals, some of whom expressed the usual complaints about loss of parking and diverted traffic. Yet dire predictions about damage to the strip's vibrant restaurant, nightclub, and luxury car rental industry have not been borne out. In fact, Holder writes, "Resort taxes on food, beverages and room rentals each month of this fiscal year and several months of last have been higher than even pre-pandemic revenues, according to city data published in December 2021." Daniel Ciraldo, executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, attributes the rise in revenue to the increase in people walking—and noticing businesses—on the street.
As cities begin to dismantle or adapt pandemic-era open streets programs, Miami is developing a long-term plan to prioritize pedestrians on Ocean Drive and the rest of South Beach, increase open space, and allow limited car access to accommodate local needs.
FULL STORY: Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive Revs Up for a Car Comeback
Car-Free Streets Benefit Restaurants, Yelp Survey Shows
Restaurants in areas designated as "slow streets" during the pandemic saw a boost in consumer interest.
Pedestrian Malls in the 21st Century
The successes and failures of past pedestrian malls can inform the future of pandemic-induced "open streets" programs.
A Car-Free Summer on Toronto’s Market Street
The I Heart Market Street program will allow pedestrians a car-free space adjacent to Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market.
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.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service