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November 2020 update
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 months, city staff will monitor the COVID-19 situation to determine the future of this initiative.
Overview
In April 2020, in response to COVID-19 physical distancing needs, Salt Lake City began opening select streets for community recreation. This followed a week-long online survey that gathered over 6,200 responses about which streets should be prioritized.
These “Stay Safe, Stay Active” Streets allowed more space for walking and biking while maintaining local vehicle access. Drivers were asked to go slowly and cautiously, while pedestrians and cyclists were encouraged to watch for cars and move aside when needed to allow access to homes and businesses.
Street selection was based on survey input, walkability, neighborhood plans, geographic equity, ease of implementation, park and trail access, emergency and transit routes, and existing 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
View the Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets map.
Read the Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets graphic survey summary.
View the survey results and comments.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
Traffic volumes
On the evenings of June 4 and June 25, 2020, Salt Lake City Transportation Division staff members counted bicyclists and pedestrians using the Stay Safe, Stay Active Streets. Staff counted for two hours on all ten streets—from 5 to 7 PM on June 4 and from 6 to 8 PM on June 25.
Count locations
June 4, 2020
- 1160 West 500 North
- 450 E 900 South
- 750 S 600 E
- 1659 E Stratford Ave
- Wasatch Dr @ Golf Course
- 624 East 4th Ave
- 350 North 200 West
- 733 S Emery St
- 1520 S 800 East
- 1193 E Kensington Ave
June 25, 2020
- 1339 West 500 North
- 450 E 900 South
- 750 S 600 E
- 1659 E Stratford Ave
- Wasatch Dr @ Golf Course
- 624 East 4th Ave
- 350 North 200 West
- 575 S Emery St
- 1520 S 800 East
- 865 E Kensington Ave
All bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists were counted. Direction and location (sidewalk or roadway) were also recorded. The next two graphs show how many bicyclists and pedestrians used the roadway on each street:
The following graphs show the total number of bicyclists and pedestrians by location (sidewalk or roadway):
