Open Streets

13 photos · 2021–2023

13 photographs tagged Open Streets, 2021–2023.

Katie Jones, Minneapolis Ward 10 City Council candidate, stands with a bike-powered campaign vehicle at Lyndale Avenue Open Streets event. — Katie Jones ran for the Minneapolis City Council Ward 10 seat in the 2021 election. Open Streets Lyndale is an annual event that closes Lyndale Avenue to vehicle traffic for the day. At the event, she talks with a cyclist near a campaign booth advertising a free bus ride.

A bright green sign reading "Make Free Art All Ages" stands along Lyndale Avenue during Minneapolis Open Streets. — Open Streets Lyndale closes a stretch of Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis to car traffic for a day of walking, biking, and street vendors. Food trucks line the road and pedestrians fill the street during the event.

A mobile grocery bus with shelves of fresh produce parked at Lyndale Avenue Open Streets in Minneapolis. — The Twin Cities Mobile Market is a converted bus that sells fresh produce and groceries in Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores. Shelves inside hold fruits and vegetables in place of bus seating, and a sign by the door notes the bus is a weapons free space. This bus is parked along Lyndale Avenue during the 2021 Open Streets event.

Community Control Of The Police at Open Streets — A sign reading "COMMUNITY CONTROL OF THE POLICE SIGN FOR CPAC HERE" is displayed at a tent during the Minneapolis Open Streets event on Lyndale Avenue in 2021. The "Minneapolis Uprising" of 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd, brought increased attention to calls for police reform and community oversight. CPAC, likely referring to the Community-Police Advisory Council or a similar organization, was present at the event to gather support and distribute information. The "Open Streets" initiative temporarily closes major streets to vehicle traffic, transforming them into public spaces for community engagement and activities.

No Cops No Judges No Prison Total Abolition banner — During the Open Streets Lyndale event in 2021, a home on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis displayed a banner advocating for total abolition. The banner, reading "No Cops, No Judges, No Prison Total Abolition," reflects sentiments that gained prominence following the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020. This movement called for significant reforms and reimagining of policing and the justice system. Open Streets Lyndale is an annual event that closes major streets to cars, allowing people to walk, bike, and engage in community activities.

Jacob Frey Yard Sign at Open Streets Lyndale — A Jacob Frey for Mayor of Minneapolis yard sign is displayed alongside a "No Justice No Peace" sign in Minneapolis. The "No Justice No Peace" slogan became prominent during protests and social justice movements, reflecting a demand for systemic change. The presence of both signs during the Open Streets Lyndale Avenue event suggests a complex political and social climate in the city. Jacob Frey was elected Mayor of Minneapolis in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.

Minnehaha Avenue Open Streets Banner — A banner reading "On Minnehaha, We Celebrate" hangs across Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, during the 2021 Open Streets event. The event coincided with the city's election, and the presence of numerous candidates and discussions about ballot questions like the strong mayor policy, public safety, and rent control were prominent. The backdrop includes the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, which was barricaded with concrete barriers and barbed wire, reflecting the ongoing tensions and community responses following the 2020 Minneapolis uprising.

Expand Public Safety YES ON 2 Yard Sign — A "YES ON 2" yard sign advocating for a Department of Public Safety is displayed on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis. The sign, visible during an Open Streets event, reflects a local political initiative to restructure public safety services. The "Black Lives Matter" sign in the window of the adjacent building, "Two Bettys Green Clean," suggests the broader context of social justice movements active in the city at the time. Open Streets events, which temporarily close streets to vehicles to encourage walking and biking, often serve as platforms for community engagement and political expression.

Riots Work Ya Nerds Graffiti — Graffiti reading "Riots Work Ya Nerds" is spray-painted on utility boxes along Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis. The message appeared during a period of civil unrest in the city, following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Minnehaha Avenue is a major thoroughfare in South Minneapolis, known for its vibrant community and businesses. The graffiti reflects the sentiments expressed by some during the protests and uprisings that occurred in the summer of 2020.

Minneapolis Police at Open Streets Minnehaha Ave — Minneapolis Police officers were present at the Open Streets Minnehaha Avenue event, a community gathering that temporarily closes streets to vehicular traffic to encourage walking, cycling, and local business engagement. These events are designed to foster community interaction and promote active transportation within the city's neighborhoods. The presence of law enforcement at such events is common for ensuring public safety and managing crowds. Minnehaha Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in Minneapolis, known for its commercial activity and residential areas.

Minneapolis Police Squad Car and Abolish The Police — A Minneapolis Police Department squad car passes a mural on Minnehaha Avenue that reads "Abolish The Police." The mural, painted on plywood covering a building, appeared in the context of widespread protests and calls for police reform following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. The "Open Streets" event, which temporarily closes streets to vehicles for community use, was concluding as the police vehicle drove by.

Streets closed for Open Streets Eat Street on Lake Street in Minneapolis — East Lake Street in South Minneapolis was closed to vehicular traffic for an Open Streets event, transforming the urban thoroughfare into a pedestrian-friendly space. These events, common in many cities, aim to promote community engagement, healthy lifestyles, and local businesses by temporarily reclaiming streets for public use. The closure allowed residents and visitors to walk, bike, and socialize freely, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Open Streets flyer taped to a bus stop shelter in Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis — An Open Streets Minneapolis flyer is taped to a bus stop shelter in Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis. The poster advertises the August 20 event and shows sponsor logos at the bottom.

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