Urbanism is about Choice

American urbanists should champion freedom of choice rather than solely waging a war on cars.

It’s easy to think that modern urbanism is solely focused on erasing cars from our lives, and you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking so. Many urbanists perpetuate the “War on Cars” and advocate for a car-free world. However, in my opinion, urbanism isn’t about eliminating cars altogether but rather about giving people the freedom to live without them when they choose. In an ideal urban environment, residents can navigate their neighborhoods on foot or by bike, enjoying safe sidewalks, public spaces, and vibrant communities. Cities and towns should offer a variety of transportation options that allow people to live efficiently, comfortably, and sustainably without being tethered to a vehicle.

Urban planning should avoid framing the future of transportation as a zero-sum game that pits cars against other modes of travel. We need to acknowledge that car transportation is an integral part of the American landscape. However, not every trip should rely on a car. The all-or-nothing approach to transportation and urbanism should be left behind. Urban areas should balance the presence of cars with accessible public transit, walking paths, and bike lanes, ensuring that everyone can choose how they get around based on their needs.

As the negative reception to NYC’s congestion pricing shows, people bristle when things are taken away. American urbanism should be presented as offering even more choices and freedoms. Rather than waging an overt war on cars, we should focus on developing safe and integrated walking communities. Imagine commuting to work by car but walking to the grocery store, a coffee shop, or a local movie theater. Urban areas should strike a balance between cars, public transit, walking paths, and bike lanes, ensuring everyone can choose how they get around depending on their needs.

Car culture in America has long emphasized the freedom the automobile provides, but urbanism can champion a broader sense of freedom: the freedom of choice. In a well-designed urban environment, residents can enjoy the walkability of their neighborhoods, exploring their surroundings at a leisurely pace while still being able to drive to visit family or travel to a neighboring town. By embracing both the car and the pedestrian, urbanism offers the opportunity to celebrate the best of both worlds, creating cities that prioritize connectivity, accessibility, and the diverse needs of their people.