At the dawn of automated vehicle technology, humans, and Americans in particular, should recall the shortcomings of past utopian visions.
William Leimenstoll notices a few similarities in the utopian visions of transportation technology boosters nearly a century ago with those of the current day. In fact, writes Leimenstoll, "[i]f you switch the publishing years and the technology named, many articles extolling the virtue of automated vehicles (AVs) would be remarkably indistinguishable from those supporting urban freeways decades ago."
The article details the marketing efforts that drove the popular and political support for the Interstate Highway System, as well as the unintended consequences of that epoch-defining infrastructure investment. While freeways made home ownership a reality for more Americans, they also eroded the economic and social fabric of central cities, for example. The current moment should inspire caution, according to Leimenstoll, not uncritical exuberance.
"Clearly, momentum for smarter, more sustainable communities is growing, but enthusiasm for AVs threatens to derail this success," writes Leimenstoll. "Without learning from the pitfalls of our eager embrace of urban highways, communities may make the same mistakes again."
So for instance, while automated vehicles might bring incredible benefits in traffic safety and congestion, it could also induce demand, increasing wear and tear on roads and negative environmental outcomes. With both sides of the spectrum of potential effects in mind, Leimenstoll concludes the article by suggesting some steps for planners to begin taking as soon as possible.
FULL STORY: An “Unprecedented Mobility Revolution?” We’ve Been Here Before
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
How Transit Architecture Impacts Real and Perceived Safety
More than a third of Americans believe major transit systems are too unsafe to ride. The built environment can change that.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.