Boston’s car-free streets offer glimpse of low-carbon future

As the global coronavirus pandemic disrupts nearly every aspect of how we live, work, and travel, it might reveal pathways to alternative ways of organizing our communities.

Helmet on, Peter Cheung zips up his bright green jacket, matching the rest of his attire, down to the sunglasses. Without his signature outfit, people don’t recognize him. Mr. Cheung knows the busy streets of Boston intimately. Biking in the city since his college years, the Aruba native is now a leader in Boston’s biking community.

But ever since the coronavirus pandemic emptied...