Radical Rebalancing of the Urban Environment

For more than a year, cities nationwide have been ceding car lanes to pedestrians and cyclists. These changes, born out of a global pandemic, are demonstrating the wide appeal of recalibrating urban streets. And as we imagine a future where cars relinquish their claim on street space, we have an opportunity to shift the investment to the longer arc of health outcomes embedded in lifestyle.

The streets-and-open-space proposition is not just about getting outside, but feeling safe outside. If street design is integrated with the indoor experience, perhaps we can create a more just public realm that invites all to linger in the space between.

Replacing horns and engine noise with birdsong and human conversation reduces decibel levels to those of a park. Fresher air is in abundance. Cooler environments prevail with more tree cover and permeable surfaces. Finally, walkability and human-powered mobility take a front seat to car infrastructure.