Street Reclaiming: Creating Livable Streets and Vibrant Communities

Historically, streets were not just for traffic. They were the epicenter of community life - a place for socializing, children's play, drama, education, celebrations, social events, and economic activity. These important functions have been slowly eroded as car traffic has exerted its dominance. Part social history and part community-activist handbook, Street Reclaiming celebrates the potential of our streets to become vibrant and prosperous centers of culture and community once again.

International urban planner David Engwicht provides a step-by-step process to psychologically and physically reclaim our streets, starting with a simple six-week program to reduce traffic by 30%-50% (without involving local officials), then introducing psychological reclaiming techniques that the whole community can participate in to counter car culture and exert the community's rights to the street. The last stage calls for actual physical reclaiming: converting traffic space into community spaces that will enhance the social fabric of the neighborhood.