Fixing America's Worst Streets: A Guide to Stroad Design

Have you ever driven down a street that feels like a confusing mix of a highway and a local road? It's wide, fast-paced, and often littered with driveways and businesses, making it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate. This type of street is known as a 'stroad,' and it's becoming increasingly common in American cities and towns.

Stroads are a product of car-centric urban planning, prioritizing the movement of vehicles over the needs of people. They are characterized by:

• Wide lanes with high speed limits
• Frequent driveways and intersections
• Lack of sidewalks and bike lanes
• Limited street trees and landscaping

These features create a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists, making them feel unsafe and discouraged from walking or biking. They also contribute to traffic congestion, air pollution, and a decline in the quality of life for residents.

The Problems with Stroads

Stroads pose numerous problems for communities, including:

• Safety Hazards: The combination of high speeds, frequent intersections, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure makes stroads dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. They are more likely to be involved in accidents, and these accidents are often more severe.
• Traffic Congestion: Stroads encourage drivers to speed, leading to more traffic jams and delays. The frequent driveways and intersections also contribute to congestion, as vehicles enter and exit the roadway at various points.
• Air Pollution: Stroads promote car dependency, leading to increased traffic and emissions. The lack of trees and landscaping also contributes to air pollution, as there is less natural vegetation to absorb pollutants.
• Unattractive Urban Design: Stroads are visually unappealing and create a sense of disconnection between people and their environment. The wide lanes, lack of sidewalks, and limited greenery create a sterile and uninviting streetscape.
• Economic Disadvantage: Stroads discourage foot traffic and make it difficult for businesses to thrive. They also reduce property values and make neighborhoods less desirable to live in.

Solutions: Reclaiming Our Streets

Fortunately, there are solutions to address the problems of stroads and create more people-centered streets. These solutions involve redesigning stroads to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Here are some key strategies for transforming stroads into more livable streets:

1. Narrow the Roadway

Reducing the width of the roadway can slow down traffic and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This can be achieved by:

• Reducing Lane Widths: Narrowing lanes from 12 feet to 10 feet can significantly reduce speeds and improve safety.
• Adding Traffic Calming Measures: Implementing speed bumps, roundabouts, and chicanes can further slow down traffic and make streets more pedestrian-friendly.

2. Create Dedicated Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure

Providing safe and comfortable infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists is essential for promoting active transportation. This includes:

• Sidewalks: Wide, well-maintained sidewalks that are separated from traffic are crucial for pedestrian safety.
• Bike Lanes: Protected bike lanes that are separated from traffic are essential for cyclists to feel safe and comfortable.
• Crosswalks: Clearly marked crosswalks with pedestrian signals and refuge islands make it easier and safer for people to cross the street.

3. Encourage Transit and Walking

Making it easier for people to use public transportation and walk can reduce car dependency and traffic congestion. This can be achieved by:

• Improving Transit Access: Providing frequent and reliable bus service, light rail, or other forms of public transportation can make it easier for people to get around without driving.
• Creating Walkable Neighborhoods: Designing streets with sidewalks, bike lanes, and amenities that encourage walking and cycling can make neighborhoods more livable and reduce car dependency.

4. Enhance Landscaping and Greenery

Adding trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements can improve the aesthetics of streets, reduce air pollution, and create a more inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists. This also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

Conclusion: Building a Better Future

Stroads are a symptom of a car-centric approach to urban planning that has prioritized the movement of vehicles over the needs of people. By redesigning stroads to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the quality of life for residents, we can create more livable and sustainable communities. It's time to reclaim our streets and build a better future for all.