Pedestrianization is the conversion of a street or other area, through the elimination of all, or most, road vehicle traffic, into a space that is exclusively or primarily for use by pedestrians and emergency vehicles, and often by bicycles and other non-powered vehicles as well. The resulting pedestrian streets can be full time, or they can be part time, such as being open for road traffic late at night and early in the morning. Transit malls are a form of pedestrianization that includes tracks or lanes for trams or other transit vehicles.
Pedestrianization can offer a variety of benefits. They include reducing air and noise pollution, reducing use of fossil fuels, and increasing safety. Such streets can also benefit health by encouraging walking and benefit local economies by encouraging visitors and promoting tourism.
Pedestrianization can also be an important strategy in environmental protection by increasing the attractiveness of living in or near high density areas and thus providing an improved alternative for some people to living in distant, automobile-dependent and land-consuming suburbs.
Pedestrianization is most successful when the newly pedestrianized area is upgraded with amenities to make the area more attractive to pedestrians, including trees and other greenery, street furniture, restrooms, vendors and various public services. Also crucial to success is providing high quality transportation, including that to replace the loss of road vehicles and to provide for deliveries to adjacent businesses.