Old cities in Europe built before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth rock , bringing Colonial settlers ,
were built long before the automobile, so car free pedestrian zones are common sense.
to narrow for walking and wide streets.. Paris, London OTOH, was of course rebuilt .. ...
Eugene Oregon, Tried to make a pedestrian only couple blocks, downtown, but merchants hated it
claiming business losses. and the marginalised people hung out there.. also a situation which they said hurt sales..
so, That did not last long,, and was re opened to traffic , & most importantly Parking..
....