Streets without cars: An idea whose time has come

It's the popular thing to do after a major event.

They continue to count the winners and losers from the historic week in Philadelphia with the World Meeting of Families, culminating in the two-day visit by Pope Francis.

Our columnist Chris Freind weighs in here.

On our editorial page, we take note of Mayor Nutter's now-infamous use of an expletive as he pointed a finger at the media for scaring people away. Really, Mr. Mayor? We're not buying it, not when you and others spent weeks issuing dire warnings about long walks and other security precautions.

Even with that, we're wiling to give the mayor a pass for dropping the S-word. Hey, it was a long week. He was probably tired. Stuff happens.

But there is one element of the lockdown that we found appealing, and worthy of further experimenting. Yes, it causes some inconveniences, but the look and feel of some streets with no traffic on them is very appealing.

One of the neatest things about the entire week was seeing those big chunks of Center City with no vehicular traffic. Suddenly, this is what a truly walkable environment looks like.

One of my goals in life (aside from breaking 80 on the golf course) is to live somewhere that does not require me to get into my car for just about everything.

I would have loved to have been able to walk all those empty city streets, or even take a leisurely stroll over the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Are we that married to our cars? Is there any reason why, maybe once a month, a certain street or bridge is closed down to vehicle traffic. I think it was one of the best parts of the weekend, and one not only Philly but lots of municipalities across the region should consider.

Look how successful Dining Under the Stars has been here in Media. Every Wednesday night all summer, they completely shut down State Street, including SEPTA's trolley line, and let the town's many fine eateries set up tables in the middle of the street. It's a unique look and feel that plays a huge part in the "hip" image Media always projects.

I think it's one more towns should consider.