By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
mgreen@afro.com
The District of Columbia is in its first phase of reopening and creeping towards criteria that would constitute Phase Two; and with the summer sun in full effect, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is now offering Washingtonians a way to be out and about, while also social distancing.
On June 9, Bowser along with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the first seven locations for the new “Slow Streets” initiative, which will allow for fun without fear of COVID.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) worked to install Slow Streets around the city so residents can safely exercise outside. (Photo by Micha Green)
“Like the ‘streateries’ and other expanded dining areas that are now on roads, alleys and sidewalks throughout the city, the Slow Streets initiative is one way we can reimagine public space to make it easier to enjoy the outdoors and stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bowser. “We want people to be able to move around and be outside, but it is important, as we continue through Phase One and into the summer months, to remember the importance of social distancing, face masks and frequent hand-washing.”
With gyms closed, many residents are going outside in order to continue a fitness regimen. In addition, while residents are still mostly in the house and being safe due to COVID-19, the Mayor and health professionals including Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, have advised going outside for exercise. Exercising outdoors is “not only safe, it’s healthy,” Fauci said in March, who, despite working 19-hour days, is still managing to get in 3.5 miles.
Slow Streets will be in locations across the city with a speed limit of 15 miles per hour. Restricted to local traffic, drivers should only utilize designated Slow Streets if they are within two blocks of their destination, however residents, emergency vehicles, deliveries and trash collection vehicles will be still be permitted. With such restrictions, Slow Streets will not be designated along bus routes.
According to a press release, the locations for the first Seven Slow Streets include:
- Wards 1 and 2: 19th Street, N.W. (between Dupont Circle and Biltmore Street, NW; plus most of Biltmore and Cliffbourne)
- Ward 3: 36th Street, N.W. (between Connecticut Avenue and Reno Avenue/Warren Street, N.W.)
- Ward 4: 8th Street N.W. (between Piney Branch/Whittier Street and Missouri Avenue N.W.)
- Ward 5: Newton Street N.E. (between 12th Street and South Dakota Avenue, N.E.)
- Ward 6: 12th Street N.E. (from East Capitol Street to K Street N.E.)
- Ward 7: Grant Street N.E. (between Minnesota Avenue and 46th Street N.E.
- Ward 8: 15th Street S.E. (from Mississippi Avenue to Savanah Street S.E.) and 15th Place S.E. (from Alabama Avenue to Bruce Place S.E.)
In addition to the current seven, over the next 12 weeks, DDOT will install more Slow Streets throughout the city.
“Mayor Bowser’s D.C. Slow Streets initiative makes our streets safer, and as the weather continues to improve, this gives residents needed additional space to exercise in support of overall physical and mental health during the pandemic,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “Slow Streets are an important part of our ongoing efforts to reimagine how we use public space in the District.”
