News April 3, 2020

COVID-19 Resources

In this unprecedented crisis, cities and transit agencies are taking action to address the most critical impacts of the coronavirus and ensure essential services operate in their communities. With all the unknowns that this outbreak presents, best practices are still being established, and cities are finding that actions taken one day may need to be changed the next.

These are critical times for cities to learn from and support each other. As a global community, we stand together.

NACTO’s resources on COVID-19 response are supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Sign up for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ City Hall Coronavirus Daily Update for actions cities are taking in response to the coronavirus crisis.

 

Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery

The COVID-19 global pandemic altered every aspect of urban life in recent months. In response, city transportation officials around the world have quickly implemented new street design and management tools to keep essential workers and goods moving, provide safe access to grocery stores and other essential businesses, and ensure that people have safe space for social/physical distancing while getting outside. These evolving practices will shape our cities as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and are key to our long-term recovery.

Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery compiles emerging practices from around the world and includes implementation resources for cities and their partners. Recognizing the rapidly changing nature of this pandemic, Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery will be revised and expanded to include new strategies, address changing conditions, and provide the best possible information on each design practice.

As of June 16, 2020, Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery includes an introduction to using streets for recovery and response (pdf) and detailed implementation information about the following street strategies (all new or updated as of 6/25).

Download Full PDF

More Updates

The GDCI Reverse Periscope

April 8, 2025

The GDCI Reverse Periscope

Since its launch in 2023, cities around the world have embraced the reverse periscope as a playful tool to reimagine streets from a child’s perspective. From community walkshops to international conferences, the tool is helping spark deeper conversations about child-friendly design. Discover how practitioners are using it to shift perspectives—and shape safer, more joyful streets for kids.

On GDCI’s 10th Anniversary, announcing ten inaugural winners of the Street Shaper Award

March 11, 2025

On GDCI’s 10th Anniversary, announcing ten inaugural winners of the Street Shaper Award

Ten years in to GDCI, we’ve worked to transform streets around the world, inspiring leaders, informing practitioners, and inviting communities to imagine what’s possible when we design streets that put people first. But none of it would have been possible without the enthusiastic collaboration of urban leaders around the globe, who continue to pave the way for safer streets and better cities. In celebration of these leaders and their impact, GDCI is introducing the Street Shaper Awards.