Three Days of Car-Free Fun in Downtown Nashville: Here's Why

Enhancing Walkability in Downtown Nashville

This summer, downtown Nashville is set to experience a unique transformation that will make the area more accessible and enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists. The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) has partnered with the nonprofit organization Walk Bike Nashville to host a series of three “Open Streets” events. These events aim to temporarily close a 5-mile loop in the downtown area to vehicle traffic, allowing people to explore the neighborhood on foot or by bike.

The first Open Streets event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on July 20, followed by similar events on August 17 and September 7. During these days, the streets within the designated route will be closed to cars, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for walkers and cyclists. The route will wind along the Cumberland River and pass through neighborhoods such as Rolling Mill Hill and the Gulch. Participants can enjoy the scenic greenways that run through the area and visit popular downtown attractions like Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

While the majority of the route will be free from vehicles, there are two sections where only partial closures will occur. Division Street between Sixth Avenue S. and Ninth Avenue N., and Pine Street between Gleaves Street and 11th Avenue N., will see half of each road open for pedestrian use while the other side remains available for one-way car traffic. To ensure safety and compliance, the nonprofit and NDOT have implemented measures such as signage, temporary barriers, and security personnel. However, attendees are still required to obey traffic signals at most intersections since cross-traffic from vehicles will remain active.

This initiative is not new to Nashville. The first Open Streets event took place a decade ago in the Gulch, and since then, Walk Bike Nashville has expanded the program to various neighborhoods, including 12 South, North Nashville, East Nashville, and Glencliff. The success of these events has led to the city launching an Open Streets Program in partnership with the nonprofit. This effort aims to empower residents to bring similar events to their own communities.

To support this initiative, NDOT and Walk Bike Nashville have created a community guide and toolkit. Residents can apply for an Open Streets permit for free, and organizers can rent approved traffic control materials like signs and cones at no cost. Mayor Freddie O’Connell praised the program, stating that it provides an opportunity for communities to come together and enjoy food, fun, and social connections. He emphasized that NDOT assists with all the necessary permitting and safety precautions, making it easier for neighborhoods to host these events.

The Open Streets events offer more than just a temporary break from traffic; they promote a sense of community and encourage healthier lifestyles. By reducing the presence of vehicles, these events create a space where people can interact, explore, and appreciate the urban environment. As Nashville continues to grow, initiatives like Open Streets play a crucial role in shaping a more walkable and inclusive city.