The (Block-by-Block) Fight for a More Just American Street

Abstract

Prytherch shows how the struggle for more equitable and inclusive streets is unfolding across the US, in arenas including policy, infrastructure engineering, and on-the-ground protest. First, it begins with broad national movements to promote complete streets policies and transform how streets are planned and engineered, as well as innovative efforts to remake streets safer through “Vision Zero” planning. Second, it focuses on efforts to physically transform street spaces, including freeway removal, retrofitting of vehicular corridors for Bus Rapid Transit, creative placemaking, and green alleys. Third, it concludes with more ephemeral but symbolically powerful efforts to take over streets through critical mass rides, “ghost-bike” memorials, and the transformation of parking spots into pop-up parks. These movements are illustrated through case studies from cities across the US. This chapter highlights the pursuit of mobility justice and complete streets through both broad policy reform and intense local street fights.