Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Image: Copenhaganize.com
Image: Copenhaganize.com
Image: Copenhaganize.com

The evidence that our transportation systems are producing less-than-optimal results speaks for itself -- whether it's grinding congestion, obscene traffic fatality rates, or the greenhouse gases we're spewing into the atmosphere at catastrophic rates.

The situation warrants a new take on how cities approach mobility, writes Mikael Colville-Andersen today at Copenhagenize:

For almost a century we have been asking the same question in our cities.

"How many cars can we move down a street?"

It's time to change the question.

If you ask "How many PEOPLE can we move down a street?", the answer becomes much more modern and visionary. And simple. Oh, and cheaper.

With urbanisation on the rapid rise, we need to think big. Think modern. We need to travel Back to the Future for the solutions that will serve our growing populations best. Cycle tracks. Trams. Wider sidewalks. It's all right there for the taking if we dare to take it.

Elsewhere on the Network today: Strong Towns explains how Memphis is trying to fix its sprawl problem by increasing street connectivity. Streets.mn goes into the practical limitations of Nice Ride bike-share in the Twin Cities. And The Black Urbanist ponders how "urban" and "suburban" are often misapplied as racial euphemisms.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Does the Media Help Create the Traffic Violence Crisis?

Which came first: the chicken (deadly driving) or the egg (a culture that normalizes it)?

March 25, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Are Off Track

Amtrak's CEO resigned in an effort to protect the passenger rail system from the Trump administration, the AP reports.

March 25, 2025

It’s Time For State DOTs to Step Up and Do a Better Job

As federal support for active modes gets clawed back, state DOTs could play a more important role in America's transportation system — and a new report argues they need to innovate.

March 24, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Pedal Away

When you free yourself/ It's the chance of a lifetime

March 24, 2025

What’s Next for L.A.’s Groundbreaking Bike/Bus/Walk Law?

L.A. county is trying to get out of implementing a law that L.A. city passed with strong support.

March 21, 2025
See all posts