Streets

A “Stroad” Story

A street is and can be a platform for local wealth creation and community-building. A road is a platform for moving auto- mobiles; optimized for speed and volume. When we try to achieve both speed and productivity (a “stroad”) we fail at both. We’re left with areas dangerous to all users, which also distinctly lack a sense of place. In Dane County alone, May 2023 to May 2024 saw:

Safety Means Slow Traffic

Speed is the most significant factor in crash severity. In the continued pursuance of safety, we’ve implemented wider lane guidelines and encouraged clear cutting roadsides to protect drivers from “little mistakes”. These changes have unintentionally increased safety risks for all users, as drivers experience a lower perceived risk from the environ- ment, causing them to drive faster. Speed limits have attempted to counteract this danger, but are only as strong as the enforcement behind them.

Consider an alternative, where low speed is baked into design. Street-side foliage, slimmer lanes, and crosswalk curb bump outs all serve to decrease vehicle speed, making the space safer to all. 

A Sense of Place Bolsters Productivity

Current street design prioritizes cars with wide lanes and high-speed limits, sacrificing local engagement and safety. Excessive parking consumes valuable land that could generate wealth. Inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes deter foot traffic, harming local businesses. Disconnected street networks reduce walkability, and restrictive zoning separates residential and commercial areas, limiting vibrant, mixed-use development.

Wealth-generating street design should prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit with narrow lanes, lower speeds, and traffic calming. Mixed-use development creates vibrant communities by combining residential and commercial spaces. Place- making with landscaping and amenities fosters a sense of place. Small-scale, adaptable improvements encourage organic growth and local economic resilience.

By shifting from car-centric to human-centric street design, communities can foster local economic activity, enhance safety and accessibility, and create vibrant public spaces that cont- ribute to a higher quality of life for all residents.