In late April 2020, in response to physical distancing needs related to COVID-19, Salt Lake City began opening certain streets for community recreation. The implementation followed a week-long online survey in which the City received over 6,200 responses regarding which streets the public would like to see opened for recreation. Thank you to everyone who took the survey! A full survey report can be found below.
Opening certain streets for community recreation, such as foot and bicycle traffic, makes it easier to maintain six feet of distance from others while recreating. Vehicle access on the Stay Safe, Safe Active Streets is maintained for local traffic. Motorists are asked to drive slowly and with extra caution. Foot and bicycle traffic are asked to be extra cautious around motorists and to respect their right to access homes and businesses by moving to the side of the road when necessary to allow them to pass.
Factors that helped determine which streets to open included community survey feedback, street walkability, community visions for their streets, geographic equity, ease of implementation, connections to parks and trails, hospital/emergency routes, transit routes and traffic patterns.
The streets opened as Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets in April and May 2020 included:
- 500 North between Redwood Rd and 800 West
- 900 South between 300 East and 700 East
- 600 East between 600 South and 900 South
- Stratford Ave between 1300 East and 2000 East
- Wasatch Dr between 1300 South and Crestview Dr
- 4th Ave between A St and N St
- 200 West between 600 North and North Temple Street
- Emery Street between 400 South and Harrison
- 800 East between 800 South and 1700 South
- Kensington Avenue between 700 East and 1400 East, and between 1500 East and 1600 East
Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets Map – May 26, 2020
As of November 2, 2020, all streets participating in the Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets initiative have been returned to normal operation. “We are grateful for all those who have been supportive of this initiative and have enjoyed having some extra space to social distance, while staying physically active.” said Transportation Division Director Jon Larsen. Over the coming winter, city staff will monitor the COVID-19 situation to determine the future of this initiative for the upcoming year.
Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets Bicyclist and Pedestrian Volumes
FAQ
What is local traffic? Will this impact garbage pickup, deliveries or emergency vehicle access?
On the streets where this is implemented, local traffic will be allowed to access homes and businesses. This includes service, emergency, delivery vehicles, etc.
Who has the right-of-way when using the street?
Consider the street to be shared. All users should respect others, allowing each to use the street together. Pedestrians and bicyclists should move to the side of the street when necessary to allow motorists to safely pass on the left. Motorists and bicyclists should drive slowly, passing other street users on the left, only when it is safe to do so.
Will this be implemented City-wide?
The goal is to implement this in as many areas of the City as possible. The responses from the survey will help inform the details of the implementation.
Will this impact on-street parking?
In a handful of locations, it might. For the most part, local access will be allowed, and that includes access to on-street parking.
How long will this last?
The two remaining streets will return to normal operation at the end of October or just before the first snow event, whichever is soonest.
Do normal traffic and safety laws apply?
Yes – local vehicle traffic are still permitted, and normal bicycle, scooter and pedestrian laws are still in place (i.e. stop at stop signs, don’t park scooters in the middle of the street, etc).
On impacted streets, how do people safely recreate?
Continue to follow CDC guidance: wear a mask, wash your hands before and after going outside, and stay at least 6 feet away from others. Do not gather in groups.
Once a decision is made, how will the public be notified which streets are impacted?
This page will be updated with a list of all the confirmed streets and there will be on-street signage.
Are bicyclists and pedestrians using the Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets?
On the evenings of June 4th and June 25th, 2020, Salt Lake Transportation Division staff members took to the streets to count bicyclists and pedestrians using the Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets. Click here to see the data.
How can I provide input?
If you have comments or would like to report issues on any of the open streets, please email communityoutreach@slcgov.com or call our comment line at 801-535-7711.
