Milwaukee launches 'Active Streets' program, street closures

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee is rolling out its Active Streets program all with a focus on staying active, while social distancing.

The Active Streets program was already in the works, but because of COVID-19, city leaders say it’s the perfect time to launch in order get people outdoors and moving. It’s in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks.

Over the next few weeks, DPW will be closing ten miles of city roads and county parkways to traffic.

“I ride my bike to get around, I don’t have a car, so I like the idea that I get to go down some other roads,” said Mark Gremmer, Milwaukee resident.

However, the roads will remain open to walking, running and biking, also parking for those who live in the area.

The first phase includes Custer Avenue, Wright, Cherry and 24^th streets near the north side, also Washington Street.

“We view this as a really good time to activate it in the hopes we can make it a longer term program and we thought this was a great place to really launch it at a time when people wanna get outside, when they feel pent up,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.

City officials say gathering won’t be allowed. People will have to maintain social distancing.

Both the city and the county are looking for volunteers to monitor those streets. They need people to report issues with barricades.

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