Report on changes in road space utilization before and after COVID-19 in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

In Japan, there has been many efforts to utilize road space with reference to the cases of Sidewalk Café and Parklet in the U.S. In recent years, road space utilization programs in Japan have been changing due to COVID-19, and this trend can be seen in the United States as well. Therefore, understanding how the programs for utilization of road space has changed after COVID-19 in the United States can be important findings for considering the road space utilization program of Japan. This study aims at examining the changes of road space utilization program before and after COVID-19 in Washington D.C. U.S.A by conducting a literature review on the programs and interview surveys to DDOT, which create and implement road utilization programs such as Sidewalk Café, Parklet and Streatery. As a result, it was found that the main purpose of Streatery program is to support the reopening of restaurants with the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 by promoting the utilization of outdoor space such as parking zones and has benefited many restaurants. However, there are several issues with the current Streatery program, and DDOT is currently working on a new program to resolve them.