Last summer Munich re-introduced its summer streets to provide more space for pedestrians during the summer months as the pandemic continued. This idea of summer streets originally came from the project Levande, in Stockholm. The city of Munich was inspired by this initiative and started trying out this concept in 2019 for the first time. But during the summer of 2020, COVID-19 had proven the necessity of having car-free and safe streets to walk in: it not only allowed people to move around corona-proof, but after months of lockdown it also brought people back together on the streets. Ten streets were converted into pedestrian friendly streets by implementing stringent traffic conditions or by entirely blocking the street for traffic. In this way people could install chairs and tables, parklets, plant pots and anything that brightened up the street and made it more enjoyable. Four other streets were designated as ‘play streets’ where children could safely play and run around without needing to pay attention to traffic. To realise this, the city also removed parking spaces and installed traffic signs and posters explaining to the residents and passers-by what was happening. By implementing these 14 summer streets, the city also wanted to offer an alternative for holiday trips, as some travel restrictions were still in place or travelling was discouraged.

To increase the quality of the public space, provide safe spaces to play and to walk, and this in a safe, corona-proof way.

Blocking and/or limiting traffic in streets

Removal and/or reduction of parking spaces

Safer streets

Alternative for holiday abroad