Kitchener likely to see ‘slow streets’ closed to traffic this spring
Program encourages residents to get outdoors and active, while keeping a safe distance
A pandemic plan that saw more residents cycling and walking on designated closed streets last year will likely get approval again this spring.
The “slow streets” initiative was an attempt to help people get outdoors while maintaining physical distancing in public spaces.
With the pandemic still in effect and residents told to mind their distancing when outdoors, the slow streets plan allows cyclists and pedestrians to bike and walk on the road when it is safe to do so without cars, said Darren Kropf, project manager for active transportation.
The proposal comes before a committee meeting next week and requires council approval. It would likely begin in mid May and continue until October.
Kropf said the slow streets pilot project, which was also tried in Waterloo, Guelph, Mississauga and Toronto, reduces through traffic, making streets safer for pedestrians.
Traffic is discouraged on the designated streets with temporary barricades and signage. Only residents of the street are allowed, as well as service and delivery vehicles.
The eight areas were chosen based on certain criteria such as density, older population in the neighbourhood and how far the area is from a trail.
The residential neighbourhoods with slow street designations for 2021 include Central Frederick, Heritage Park, Victoria Hills, Vanier/Kingsdale and Mount Hope/Breithaupt Park.
The closed streets would be: Cameron Street from King to East;
Samuel Street from Stirling to Frederick;
Montcalm Drive from Lorraine to Ottawa;
Brybeck Crescent from Westmount to Karn;
Greenfield Avenue from Fifth to Traynor;
Duke Street West from Victoria to Moore;
Waterloo Street from Duke to Moore;
Duke Street East from Pandora to Cedar.
Kropf said in some of the areas last year, signs were vandalized or knocked down. The signs were held up with sandbags.
The city will attempt to engage with residents to get their input on the barricades so they can better evaluate the effectiveness of the slow streets program.