This comic has been making the rounds across the internet recently, and sparks a really interesting discussion about how we use our streets and spaces for people. There are two messages that this comic sends:

  1. We have handed over a lot of space to cars; and
  2. Streets might as well be impassible valleys for pedestrians.

But just how should our streets be organized? Is it reasonable to say that streets ought to be oriented around cars only at the explicit cost of others like pedestrians? Or should we be creating streets that give equitable consideration to all modes?

Article Author
Stephen Fesler
Website

Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities. He is especially interested in how policies, regulations, and programs can promote positive outcomes for communities. With stints in great cities like Bellingham and Cork, Stephen currently lives in Seattle. He primarily covers land use and transportation issues and has been with The Urbanist since 2014.