Eventually, cities dominated by micromobility — bikes and scooters — and macromobility — trains and buses — will find they have a lot more space to work with and redesign. Parking garages built today need to be prepared to convert to another use in 10 or 20 years. Micromobility-sized delivery robots and large-scale autonomous buses are two promising vehicle typologies that use space more efficiently than cars. Curbside parking spaces can go to better use as delivery zones, ride hail pickup spots, bike lanes, or public seating areas for restaurants and cafes, in a continuation of the hugely successful outdoor dining phenomenon. Mobility needs to be understood as an essential part of the locally-focused urban lifestyle, enabling new experiences and engagement opportunities for residents and brands.
City streets aren’t getting any wider, but they can transport more people, more safely, if they are redesigned to support emerging micro and autonomous modes. They can also relegate more space for people to gather at a distance, helping to rebuild our sense of urban community in the open air.