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Open Streets downtown set for May–July; organizers describe route, safety and neighborhood options
Summary
NDOT and Walk Bike Nashville announced Open Streets downtown dates (May 16, June 13, July 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.), described a concentrated 'super block' route with traffic control officers and volunteers at intersections, and encouraged neighborhoods to use a free block‑party permit to host local open‑street events.
Kobi Langner, a livability planner with the Nashville Department of Transportation, and Kayla Gibson of Walk Bike Nashville presented details of this year’s Open Streets downtown events, explaining the program will focus on a concentrated downtown "super block" to let residents walk and bike in a car‑free environment on May 16, June 13 and July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kayla Gibson said the super block will concentrate activations in the heart of downtown, with cross traffic at some intersections following signal timing to show how different multimodal patterns can coexist. "Certain streets will allow cross traffic following lights," Gibson said. Organizers confirmed traffic control officers will staff intersections as needed and volunteers will assist attendees; traffic control officers will be authorized to redirect vehicles off the route.
Organizers said last year’s open‑streets series drew about 1,500 people across three dates and that NDOT is improving data collection this year using mobile units to get better counts of pedestrians and cyclists and to evaluate the event’s impact on local businesses. Staff encouraged neighborhoods to use the free block‑party permit now available to host smaller local open‑street events and noted NDOT can consult with Walk Bike Nashville about neighborhood events.
Why this matters: Open Streets events let residents experience walking and biking in a low‑traffic environment and can be used to gather public feedback for future infrastructure pilots. Commissioners asked about route safety, whether pedicabs/pedal taverns would be allowed (non‑motorized activity generally allowed), and how the event connects to nearby greenways and Tour de Nash activities on May 16; staff said Tour de Nash will begin earlier that day and that some greenway connections are being encouraged as access routes.
Next steps: Organizers will finalize logistics with special events permitting staff and invited the commission to attend and volunteer; NDOT will share data from mobile counting units after the events.
