Open Streets

originally posted 9/14/2008 Dateline: The Embarcadero, Ferry Building, where Open Streets offer a fantastic opportunity to see the City from a new angle. Mayor Gavin Newsom was inspired by European cities into creating days when portions of public streets are closed to traffic. The resulting “Sunday Streets” days were wonderful and decidedly European, like seeing Amsterdam from the point-of-view of the canals. In the span of a few blocks, Mister SF was reminded of the time he ditched Vienna because there are too many cars for Venice, where there are none. For visitors in San Francisco, Open Streets days are a great chance to see beautiful cityscapes, bridges, public art and landmarks in a vibrant setting of bikes, joggers, walkers, but no cars. For locals like me, Sunday Streets days are a chance to see something familiar in a new way. Despite our reputation, San Franciscans don’t really parade down the middle of the street every day. Visit the web site of Sunday Streets.

the Embarcadero were closed to traffic.