Image
Making Saviciaus street livable by opening it to pedestrians and local businesses
Published on 08 January 2020
Lithuania
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Savičiaus street in the old town was closed for traffic during the construction works last summer. The street is remarkably busy with pedestrians as there are many cafes and restaurants. The sidewalks are very narrow, and the level of transit traffic was very high.
For the construction works part of the street had to be closed and traffic scheme in the neighbourhood was altered, but it was still possible for residents to come back by car and deliver goods for the restaurants. As the street was closed private businesses took initiative and placed indoor furniture (sofas, chairs, tables) in the middle of the construction works and opened pop-up cafés in the evenings which attracted a lot of people – some were looking for this new hip place to spend time and have dinner, some – just to pass by and take pictures of the unfinished street full of people. This story was shortly spinned on social media and instantly became a popular place for outdoor dining and because of the stopped car transit, the noise levels decreased drastically.
After construction works have ended, the street was opened for traffic. Reduced noise levels, livelier street and feeling more secure resulted in the residents’ demanded to block transit traffic again. City municipality approved street closing for traffic at night and during the weekends and it became a precedent to reconsider many other streets’ closing for transit in the old town.
For the construction works part of the street had to be closed and traffic scheme in the neighbourhood was altered, but it was still possible for residents to come back by car and deliver goods for the restaurants. As the street was closed private businesses took initiative and placed indoor furniture (sofas, chairs, tables) in the middle of the construction works and opened pop-up cafés in the evenings which attracted a lot of people – some were looking for this new hip place to spend time and have dinner, some – just to pass by and take pictures of the unfinished street full of people. This story was shortly spinned on social media and instantly became a popular place for outdoor dining and because of the stopped car transit, the noise levels decreased drastically.
After construction works have ended, the street was opened for traffic. Reduced noise levels, livelier street and feeling more secure resulted in the residents’ demanded to block transit traffic again. City municipality approved street closing for traffic at night and during the weekends and it became a precedent to reconsider many other streets’ closing for transit in the old town.
Resources needed
The only resources needed were for a few new traffic signs and work with communities.
Evidence of success
The differences in air quality and safety made a big impact on residents and visitors. After construction works ended and transit traffic went back to normal, residents asked to change traffic scheme back to how it was during construction. The request was partly granted by forbidding transit at night and during the weekends.
It was a good example of citizen activity, business opportunity and experiment for making a livable place for people by using the situation during construction.
It was a good example of citizen activity, business opportunity and experiment for making a livable place for people by using the situation during construction.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice is a good way to educate the residents and also municipality officers that, citizens’ to changes reaction is rarely as bad as it might be expected and that is not absolute and can change. This type of practice could be implemented in cities which are thinking about banning cars in the old town or city centre but are afraid of changes.
As an experiment which can bring good results - reorganisation of traffic by reducing transit could be the first step towards the car-free city centre. Involving residents in the changes is a key factor which helps to achieve better results.
As an experiment which can bring good results - reorganisation of traffic by reducing transit could be the first step towards the car-free city centre. Involving residents in the changes is a key factor which helps to achieve better results.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipal Enterprise Susisiekimo paslaugos (Transport Services)
Contact
Chief City Engineer