Should Cities Convert One-Way Streets To Two Way?

A recent trend in planning is to convert one-way streets to two way to slow traffic and make streets more pedestrian friendly.

1 minute read

February 17, 2005, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"One-way to two-way conversions are being planned or implemented in Austin, Berkeley, Cambridge, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Louisville, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Jose, Seattle, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, among other cities. These proposals have become a major source of controversy in at least some of these cities, especially Austin, Cincinnati, and Chattanooga."

However, according to The Thoreau Institute's Randal O'Toole, "On just about any ground imaginable -- safety, congestion, pollution, and effects on most businesses -- one-way grids and one-way couplets are a superior method of moving people and vehicles. The idea that pedestrian-friendly design can be enhanced by creating more pedestrian-deadly environments is just a planning fantasy."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Should Cities Convert One-Way Streets to Two Way?

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in The Thoreau Institute

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