Washington State is on the verge of transforming its streets into community-centric spaces, thanks to the recent passage of SB 5595, signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson in May. This new legislation legalizes the shared streets concept, bringing forth the possibility of implementing the innovative Dutch street design known as woonerfs.
Woonerfs, characterized by low speed limits as low as 10 miles per hour, prioritize pedestrians and cyclists by requiring all vehicles to yield to them. When the law takes effect at the end of July, Washington will be the first jurisdiction in the nation to adopt legal guidelines for such low speed limits within street designs.
The vision behind shared streets goes beyond speed regulations. These streets, synonymous with terms such as ‘living streets,’ are designed to be narrow and aesthetically pleasing, featuring landscaping that fosters community interaction. While conventional American streets are often wide and vehicle-centric, studies indicate that their design can lead to increased speeding, detracting from neighborhood character.
State Representative Julia Reed, a key advocate for the new legislation, emphasized the benefits of transitioning towards a more community-focused street design. “[Shared streets] create the kind of environment that everybody wants to live in…where it’s beautiful and desirable to be out in the street enjoying the city, meeting their neighbors,” Reed stated. She expressed concern about how communities lose their essence when vehicular traffic is prioritized over the people living in those areas.
The groundwork for adopting such an approach may have already been laid during the pandemic, as initiatives like Seattle’s “Safe Healthy Streets” program shifted focus towards limiting vehicle access. This program allowed community members to enjoy outdoor spaces safely while socially distancing. Even after the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Seattle continues to offer residents the opportunity to use certain streets for outdoor gatherings without needing a permit.
Reed noted that constituents were largely in favor of these initiatives, which sparked the idea of adopting the woonerf concept. The goal was to create streets that put people first while allowing enough space for necessary vehicular access. This approach aims to reshape urban environments into more livable, pedestrian-friendly areas.
In commentary on the state of woonerfs in America, Mark Ostrow pointed out that what are commonly referred to as woonerfs in the U.S. often retain a car-oriented focus, differing from the original European definitions. Many streets labeled as woonerfs in America lack the narrow, pedestrian-focused designs that are seen in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Despite being at the forefront of implementing legal provisions for true woonerfs, Washington State’s move could serve as a model for other states and cities hoping to prioritize people over vehicles. The shared streets concept is expected to be a relatively cost-effective solution, offering communities an immediate response to reimagining their public spaces.
“[This is a solution that] communities can start to adopt right away,” Reed mentioned, highlighting the potential for rapid implementation of shared streets across various neighborhoods. As Washington embraces this progressive change, it may pave the way for a national shift towards more inclusive urban design.
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