School Streets  reimagine roadways to prioritize safety and health, and create space for students and neighbors to play and thrive. They can restrict car access during hectic arrival and drop-off times; allow only local deliveries or Blue Badge holders; or be used throughout the day for outdoor learning, recess, neighborhood events and assemblies. Each community chooses how best to use its School Street.

The concept is quickly gaining momentum in cities around the world—and remaking the way we think about schools. It is one of the few strategies that can be implemented at scale with relatively little cost. It can help drive down air pollution, which causes heart attacks and lung diseases and can cause life-shortening early deaths; encourage more active travel and a healthier lifestyle; and contribute to addressing the climate emergency.

The Evolution of School Street Designs: Enhancing Safety and Community

Developed in Bolzano, Italy and then expanded across Europe, School Streets were designed to address the specific traffic challenges faced by school communities during peak hours of car congestion, drop-off, and pickup. By introducing a temporary car-free environment, they can make it safer and easier for families to walk, scoot or cycle to school, while promoting road safety and cutting air pollution outside schools.