The Bainbridge Island City Council is looking at possible restrictions that would turn some city streets into “play streets” for walkers and bikers.

The idea, proposed by the bicycle advocacy group Squeaky Wheels and Bainbridge GreenWays, a Sustainable Bainbridge program, would turn some roads on the island to “local traffic only” so the roadways could be used by pedestrians and bicyclists.

“These streets would remain open to local traffic, including deliveries, and for emergency vehicles, but closed to through vehicle traffic,” the two groups explained in an outline recently presented to city councilmembers. “With simple signage, this could make for more space for people trying to get outdoors for exercise or to access food take-out or grocery stores.”

Advocates for the “local traffic only” proposal said the closures would “relieve the strain resulting from distancing-related trail and park closures.”

“People aren’t able to walk as many trails due to social distancing or because they live too far away to walk or bike to parks or trailheads,” the groups said in their proposal, which also recommends a crackdown on roadside parking.

“Maintaining social distancing on roads means cyclists and walkers need far more space in the road lane,” they added.

Supporters of the “Safe and Healthy Streets” initiative said barricades could be placed on selected streets to reduce the number of vehicles. Another piece could be turning some streets into one-way only.

Roads that could be looked at for the restrictions include Grow Avenue, Pleasant Beach Drive, Point White Road, and roads near Manitou Beach, Battle Point Park, and Miller Road near the Grand Forest.

The proposal found some support at this week’s council meeting.

The council decided to form an ad-hoc committee to explore the proposal, despite concerns from City Manager Morgan Smith that city staff was struggling with its current workload amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Smith also said the city should get feedback from people who live along the streets suggested for changes, and added that street modifications such as a move to one-way travel should get a review from engineering staff.

Councilman Michael Pollock agreed with Councilman Kol Medina that quick action was needed.

“We do need to do something,” Pollock said.

“There’s nothing we can do that we can’t undo,” he added. “Let’s get moving forward.”