Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In

When I posted I was headed to The Netherlands once again to visit (and for my first time to Utrecht,) as usual I got a lot of recommendations on what to look at. One of the first people to contact me was Rebecca Albrecht, who moved there with her husband Paul from Boston about three years ago and couldn't be more delighted to live there.

She mentioned she lived on a Dutch play street (woonerf) and when I looked at the photos she had snapped from the window of her bed & breakfast, my first thought was: maybe this would be an opportunity to get a unique angle from residents since I had ridden on so many similar streets in Amsterdam and in Copenhagen but didn't want to be too nosy.

When I arrived the street was full of neighbors and children and they wanted to talk to me about their lovely street. But this is not something exceptional as over 2 million Dutch people live on play/living streets. So take a gander but be warned: you will want the same thing for your block.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Santa Rosa Quietly Approves Additional Mall Parking in Pedestrian and Art Plaza; Activists Appeal

“Why do they need more parking? It feels like they’re trying to sneak something by the public.’’

March 24, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Safety is the word of the day.

March 24, 2026

How a ‘Universal Basic Neighborhood’ Can Help Americans Live Longer

Want to increase your chances of living to 80? A new paper argues we need to start with our neighborhoods — and we need to do it for everybody.

March 23, 2026

S.F. Judge Decides Utterly Reckless Driving is Not a Serious Crime

Judge for West Portal massacre of a family just told drivers anything goes.

March 23, 2026

Monday’s Headlines

California Transportation Commission funds highways as state burns.

March 23, 2026
See all posts