The benefits of participating in car-free open street events like Streets Alive extend far beyond the day of the event.

• Being active is good for your health
• Using public transportation can enhance our environment and usually requires a walk at the start or end of a transit trip - this increases your everyday activity and is also good for your health.
• Visiting neighborhood businesses on foot, bike or skateboard -rather than by car- can make shopping more accessible and benefits your local economy

The open streets movement promotes ways to create more accessible cities and ties into many of the cities' greening initiatives to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play in San Mateo County.

Streets Alive reflects the goals and priorities outlined in San Mateo County's Shared Vision 2025 (2009), which calls for a community that is healthy, livable, collaborative, environmentally-conscious and prosperous.

Streets Alive improves...

...Our Health

Today in San Mateo County, only one-third of local seventh graders meet physical fitness standards, 25% of local children are overweight or obese, and the rate of Type II diabetes among adults has doubled over the last decade. The national costs associated with these conditions are estimated at nearly $117 billion, and continue climbing. The only way we can get ahead of rising rates of chronic disease and poor health is by transforming our communities to make healthy living easy. Streets Alive was intended to inspire communities to take action against these pressing health concerns by creating space for residents to be active and make social connections on everyday infrastructure - on streets, and in parks and plazas.

Inspired by a growing global movement that makes diverse, healthy communities a reality, open street events encourage residents to use public transportation to help pave the way for people to live happier, longer lives at a pace with less stress-inducing noise, traffic congestion, and air pollution. In addition, open street events like Streets Alive help establish accessible, vibrant public places that draw people to stroll, shop, and people watch.

...Our Environment

Car-free streets relieve traffic congestion, noise pollution and air pollution. Open street events encourage residents to explore their local streets and use active, environmentally-friendly ways to get to where they need to go.

...Our Economy

Streets Alive was designed to showcase cities in San Mateo County and encourage residents to visit nearby shops and restaurants. Many cities — both locally and around the world — benefit from closing streets to cars to create a public space for people. Over the years, businesses in Redwood City have increased exposure through pedestrian-friendly events and street closures. Stores in Guadalajara, Mexico now experience their most profitable days on car-free days as a result of their open street events.

...Our Community

The people who live and work in San Mateo County have the opportunity to create a stronger sense of community at open street events where they can come together and move in safe public places.

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