A proposal for a new version of campus’ busiest street has been circulating around social media sites lately, and it could permanently alter the iconic boulevard that many people have known and appreciated during their stay here at the University.

The project is called Car(e)free, and their vision is to turn Green Street into a bike- and pedestrian-only promenade between Wright and Fourth Street. The promenade would include outdoor seating, a game area and community events like a farmer’s market.

This idea would greatly benefit the campus community because it would create a thriving communal area that would be advantageous for college students and the campus community.

The proposal points to traffic congestion and confusing traffic patterns found on Green Street and lack of bike lanes as reasons for updating the University’s iconic business center. 

By turning Green Street into a pedestrian and bike promenade that is free of cars, this area of campus could become safer for the individuals that use it on a daily basis.

Putting in bike paths makes this proposal very appealing because there are many students that use bikes as a means of transportation. Being able to ride bikes through Green Street without the dangers of traffic would greatly increase biker safety.

Traffic would have to be rerouted onto Healey and John streets — which would aid in decreasing the traffic congestion. And with the numerous new construction sites currently up and down Green Street, making the street a pedestrian walk-way would assist in making more room for individuals walking through the street. 

Aside from the logistical aspect of this proposal, the project is also very visually appealing and could lead to a more vibrant and flourishing business center that is more attractive to residents and visitors, particularly through the addition of seating and activities that it says it would provide. 

As noted by the project coordinators, there is research to suggest that many pedestrian malls fail, however, Green Street fits the specified criteria of a successful promenade because the area promotes high levels of foot traffic.

There are other campuses across the country with pedestrian malls, Pearl St. in Boulder, Colo. and State St. in Madison, Wis., that demonstrate how successful a pedestrian- and biker-only mall can be.

Ultimately, we think that the street would turn into a hub of activity for visitors and could attract more students to the University. Green Street is already a campus hot spot, and by making it more aesthetically pleasing, as well as making it more conducive to the tremendous amounts of pedestrians and bikers, we think we have a promising idea at hand.