To the Editor:

We write to commend Princeton officials for their efforts to ensure social distance while still protecting and strengthening the community’s social fabric.

The Slow Streets pilot program, which the mayor and Council have approved for this summer, will improve safety and encourage outdoor recreation on our own block and several others throughout town.

Here on Patton Avenue, we frequently see cars and trucks that have bypassed the traffic light at Nassau and Harrison in order to speed through our block on their way to Route 1.

Slow Streets will limit Patton and other blocks to local traffic. The program, which only runs through September, does not change existing parking regulations and it does not restrict movement by emergency vehicles. Nor does a Slow Street become a public plaza.

Rather, this is a smart policy that affords pedestrians and bicyclists — many of whom use Patton to access
a pathway to campus — a little more refuge from speeding cars and trucks.

We are so fortunate to live in a walkable, tight-knit community. And we applaud the town for continuing to improve pedestrian and bike access in spite of — and very much in response to — the COVID crisis.

Meagan and Brian Levinson
Patton Avenue