This is obviously a good idea. I would go further, and consider implementing a completely carless region in downtown (or several carless stretches along key high streets, like Alberta, 13th, and 21st)
Opinion: Build Portland downtown’s revival around a rejuvenated Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park hosts many festivals every year. But the park, arguably Portland’s most underutilized resource, has untapped potential to serve as the linchpin for downtown’s revival, the authors write.
oregonlive.com