Good news for al fresco dining lovers: Center City District is testing a post-pandemic car-free Rittenhouse Square on Sundays throughout September.
The initiative—called Open Streets: West Walnut—will take place on four consecutive Sundays in September, beginning September 8 through September 29, with closures going into effect by 8am and opening back up at 6pm on 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th Street. This news marks progress towards safer streets and public transit solutions that prioritize pedestrian-only zones, furthering Vision Zero's goals to end preventable fatalities and injuries by drivers. Bonus: The extension of public space along Rittenhouse Row, Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining destination, will coincide with Center City District Restaurant Week.
This isn’t the first time Philly has opened pedestrian-only streets. During the pandemic, major thoroughfares around the city became car-free throughout the summer to allow for social distancing and European-style streetearies: Second Street in Old City, 13th Street in Center City, Passyunk Avenue in South Philly, 18th Street in Rittenhouse Square, among others. Studies show Philadelphians want more open streets year-round, too. Pedestrian-only streets are not only popular around the world but also result in fewer traffic incidents. Unfortunately, Philadelphia is known as one of the worst big cities to drive in, with triple the rate of auto-related fatalities in New York, according to a 2023 city traffic study report. The timing of creating more family-friendly zones is urgent—Philadelphia can prove why it’s the most walkable city in the country once and for all.
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