There are two types of pedestrian streets/malls: (1) those that eliminate motor vehicle traffic (deliveries permitted during off-peak hours) and; (2) those that allow some motor vehicle traffic at very low speeds. The second type can be thought of as a pedestrian street that allows some motor vehicles, as opposed to a motor vehicle street that allows some pedestrians.

Pedestrian streets have been successful in places that are thriving and have high volumes of pedestrians. Examples of successful pedestrian streets include Church Street in Burlington, VT; Downtown Crossing in Boston, MA; Maiden Lane in San Francisco, CA; Occidental Street in Seattle, WA; Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA; and, Fremont Street in Las Vegas, NV.

Another option is to create a part-time pedestrian street, as is done, for example, in the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA, which uses removable barriers to close the street to motorists at night.