Open Streets

Open Streets are programs that temporarily open streets to people as additional public space, closing them to cars. These events typically have a family-friendly festival type atmosphere but are not organized as festivals.

The first one was conducted in Bogota, Columbia in 1974. The Cyclovia (translated to “Cycle-way”) closed major streets to vehicular traffic on Sundays, and still runs today with 122 km of roadway included in the program. Hamilton has successfully run Open Streets-style events in the past, including an event on James St. N and one in Westdale.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic mobility patterns have shifted. Around the world there has been significant uptake in walking, cycling, and generally being outside more. Many cities have recognized this and innovated in many ways including through pop-up bike lanes, temporary dining spaces, quiet streets, and free or discounted transit. In North America, the most common measure has been the opening of entire streets for non-motorized activities (Combs and Pardo, 2021).

Temporary Linear Urban Park

The City of Hamilton is seeking public input on an Open Streets pilot project which would turn King Street into a Temporary Urban Linear Park from Gage Park to Gore Park. On one weekend day this fall, four kms of linear roadway space would be transformed into additional public space that could be used for cycling, physical activity stations and small urban activations.

This project will focus on the corridor of King Street between Gage Street and Gore Park to create a comfortable area for walking, rolling and cycling. There will also be some opportunities for non-commercial programming from community organizations. This project is being conducted as a pilot, and if determined a success, could move forward with additional dates in 2023.