LUNCHTIMESTREETS: A street transformation idea from London

Given the two recent posts on pedestrian streets in cities ("Planning urban design improvements at the neighborhood scale: Dupont Circle, DC" and "More about making 17th Street between P and R a pedestrian space on weekends"), this post, also a reprint, "LUNCHTIMESTREETS: A street transformation idea from London," from the World Streets Emergency Climate/Mobility Action/Plan blog is particularly timely.

Note that I do seem to recall a similar initiative in Boston...

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-- Lunchtime Streets - Campaigns - Active City Network

What is Lunchtime Streets?

Lunchtime Streets Chancery Lane. Tuesday 3rd – Thursday 5th September find out more below!

Lunchtime Streets is an event that removes motor traffic from a street over a lunchtime period, so people can enjoy their lunch in a safer and more pleasant environment.

Making the streets safer for people is key to both the City of London Corporation’s and the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategies.

We use this type of temporary project to measure the effects and perceptions of the local community when reducing traffic at a peak times, when most people are travelling on foot or bicycle will be key to making the streets safer. The results of the study may lead to future enhancements of the public realm.

It is also a great way to enjoy your lunchtimes. We welcome the involvement of local working, studying and residential community.

Upcoming Lunchtime Streets

Chancery Lane

The next Lunchtime Streets initiative will take place at Chancery Lane:

Tuesday 3 September
Wednesday 4 September
Thursday 5 September

On these days Chancery will be closed to motor vehicles from 10am to 3pm, with lunchtime activities taking place between midday and 2pm.

A full programme will be posted online before the event…but you can expect more plants and planters, seating, food stalls, a bike show, giant garden games and more, and even more!

We welcome any involvement from local businesses, workers and residents.

Please contact the City Corporation’s Road Danger Reduction team to share any suggestions and register any needs:

rdr@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Is this a new concept?

No – Cities around the world have been finding ways to demonstrate that they put people first and that streets can be re-imagined and do not always need to be dominated by vehicles.

In European capitals such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Amsterdam (to name a few) timed closures and car-free days or times in City centre streets have shown they can improve the quality of the air, the safety of the streets, and encourage people to use and enjoy the public realm.

Is this something you would like to see on your street?

You can also let us know what you think by filling out this two minute survey: Lunchtime Streets.