Pressure grows on D.C. to close roads to give residents more room for walking, jogging, biking during covid-19 shutdown

From New York to Oakland, cities across the United States are closing roadways and extending bike lanes to give people who are under covid-19 stay-at-home orders more space to walk and bike safely in their neighborhoods.

The District joined the effort this week, closing three parkways to traffic to allow walking, jogging and scooter riding, and a city official said there are plans to close more areas in commercial districts. But some residents and advocates say the city’s response doesn’t answer calls for more space in neighborhoods where people are crowding sidewalks.