Q: Has a date been set for Streets Alive 2011?
Yes! Streets Alive 2011 will be held on May 1.

Q. How was Streets Alive different from other city events?
Streets Alive was about people being active on streets in their own communities to ensure a healthy future. Cities all around the world are organizing car-free open street events to promote health, reduce carbon emission, and build a sense of community. Streets Alive wasn't intended to be just another festival or fair. It was about enjoying our everyday public places - streets, parks, plazas and trails - and transforming San Mateo County to make everyday active transportation easy for everyone.

Q. Why did Streets Alive happen?
On April 11th, 2010, cities in San Mateo County planned to transform public places into safe, car-free outdoor spaces because temporarily closing some streets to cars opens them up to people. The event was intended to inspire people to come together to be active, healthy, and car-free. Heavy rains disrupted the 2010 event and canceled activities in some cities, but we remain hopeful for sunnier weather in future years.

Q. Who participated in Streets Alive?
People of all ages, backgrounds and levels of physical ability could participate in Streets Alive 2010.

Q. How did they participate?
People were welcome to walk, run, roll, or ride to Streets Alive events throughout the county. Bikes, rollerblades, skates, skateboards, scooters, unicycles, ride-ons, wagons, strollers, stilts, pogo sticks, tricycles and any other non-motorized modes of transportation were welcome.

Q. Was Streets Alive a race?
No. Participants were encouraged to move along city routes at their own pace, and there were no planned starting or ending points for routes.

Q. Did 2010 attendees have to register to participate?
No. No registration was required.

Q. How much did participating in Streets Alive cost?
Streets Alive was FREE family fun for everyone. Each city organized free and low-cost activities.

Q. Was Streets Alive safe?
Police, emergency services, public works, and parks and recreation departments were involved in planning to ensure that the event was safe.

Q. Who benefits from open street events?
Everyone benefits. Making our cities more accessible for people to be active is beneficial for everyone's health. Local businesses benefit from increased pedestrian and bike traffic along commercial streets. And the environment benefits from reducing carbon emissions.

Q. Were the planned routes difficult?
People were encouraged to view each host city's route map to learn each route's distance and see areas with levels of inclines. Each host city could also be contacted directly for details about each route's level of difficulty.

Q. Where did the Streets Alive route start?
There was no official starting or end point. Each participating city designed a different route or highlighted a different public place that could be enjoyed during the event.

Q. How did Streets Alive impact traffic?
Streets Alive was held on Sunday, April 11th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, which is the time of week with the fewest cars on the road. Streets open to people were 'soft closures' to cars, with cross-traffic allowed at a limited number of points along the route and auto access for residents and businesses located within the closed route. This type of closure has worked very well in other cities around the world. Traffic was monitored and the traffic impacts will be taken into consideration as we plan for next year's event. Detour and traffic information was available on the website, through the official information line, or by contacting a host city directly.

Q. What if I live on the route?
Residents along Streets Alive routes were encouraged to participate and enjoy the day, or to volunteer. If they needed to use their cars, participating cities identified road access areas along the routes. Each host city was available to provide additional details on street closures along the Streets Alive route before and during the event.

Q. Were dogs allowed?
Four-legged friends were welcome at Streets Alive. They were required to be on a short leash, and owners or handlers were expected to pick up after them to comply with pet waste policies.

Q. How can I get involved?

• Volunteer: In 2011, host cities will rely on the help and support of volunteers to create a successful event . If you are interested in volunteering, contact a host city directly for more information.
• Sponsor: If you are interested in 2011 sponsorship or partnership opportunities, contact SaraT Mayer at (650) 573-2104 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Partner: Cities hosting Streets Alive seek partnerships with local non-profits and businesses to provide no-cost or low-cost organized activities and services such as bike repair and group exercise classes. If you'd like to be a local partner in 2011, contact SaraT Mayer at (650) 573-2104 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Share: If you participated in Streets Alive 2010, share your photos, and tell us about your experience.
• Take the 2010 survey: If you came to Streets Alive 2010, send us your feedback to guide the planning of future Streets Alive events in San Mateo County. Participants will also be able to provide feedback for future Streets Alive events in San Mateo County. For more information, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .