Five more miles of Slow Streets will be added throughout the District

The District will add five more miles of Slow Streets, adding up to a total of more than 26 miles of much-needed road for people to walk, bike, and exercise while practicing social distancing during the pandemic.

Here’s where you can expect the additional Slow Streets by ward:

Ward 1

• Newton Street NW between 14th Street and 19th Street NW

Ward 3

• Idaho Avenue NW/Rodman Street NW between Wisconsin Avenue and Rodman Street NW and Idaho Ave to Connecticut Avenue NW
• Sherier Place NW between Norton Street and Chain Bridge Road NW
• Davenport Street NW between Linnean Avenue NW and Broad Branch Road NW

Ward 5

• Evarts Street NE/3rd Street NE between 3rd Street NE to Edgewood Street NE
• 8th Street NE between Gallatin Street to Buchanan Street NE
• Capitol Avenue NE and Central Place NE between Central Place to Fenwick Street NE

Ward 7

• Jay Street NE between 44th Street and Hunt Place NE

What is a Slow Street?

In DC, Slow Streets are usually on local streets and have a 15 mph speed limit. These streets are restricted to local traffic, and are often connected to parks and other spaces to walk and bike.

There are no bus routes on these streets, and drivers can use the road only if they are within two blocks of their destination. Vehicles for trash collections, emergencies and other services are still allowed on Slow Streets.

How Slow Streets spread locally and nationally

DC Slow Streets were part of a larger response by DDOT to address social distance concerns and other health and safety issues brought on by COVID-19. Initiatives like car free lanes, streateries, and pick-up and drop-off zones popped up along District streets and neighborhoods throughout the year.

On May 29, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the launch of the Slow Streets initiative, as part of the city’s reopening strategy. In addition to designated Slow Streets, speed limits on other local roads were reduced from 25 to 20 mph.

Residents and local leaders have long been proponents of Slow Streets in the DC area and have criticized the District for failing to close streets off sooner. DC’s initiative follows other cities such as Oakland, New York, and Seattle that started Slow Streets initiatives much earlier.

In April, frustrated with the slow response from the government, some DC residents took matters into their own hands, commandeering roads and transforming them into makeshift Slow Streets.

The newly added Slow Streets are expected to be installed by early November, according to DDOT. Click here to see the list of additional Slow Streets throughout the District.