Photos by Aaron Paley

Photos by Aaron Paley

Metro hosted an Open Streets workshop on Wednesday that featured speakers from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Over 80 people attended the event that focused on the planning and implementation of Open Streets programs.

Open streets are events which temporarily close the streets to automobiles and open them up to people to re-imagine and experience their streets while walking, biking, rollerblading or pushing a stroller in a car-free environment. The goals of the program are to encourage sustainable modes of transportation (biking, walking and transit), provide an opportunity to take transit for the first time and foster civic engagement.

The Metro Board of Directors approved the Open Streets Program in September 2014, including up to $2 million annually for open street events in Los Angeles County. The money will be distributed through a competitive grant application process.

The Metro Open Streets Program application is now available to cities to apply for grant funding by clicking here. The deadline to apply online is Friday, March 14, 2014.