Motor-vehicle-oriented

Describing a society, urban design, or policy primarily structured to accommodate the needs and preferences of motor vehicle users, particularly automobiles. This orientation prioritizes ease of driving, parking availability, and high traffic capacity, often at the expense of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and walkability. It often involves wider roads, sprawling suburban development, and a reliance on cars for nearly all forms of transportation, creating an environment that actively discourages alternative modes.

Motor-vehicle-oriented meaning with examples

• The city's planning department has long been criticized for its motor-vehicle-oriented approach. Road widening projects and ample parking downtown are the norm, but the public transportation system is underfunded and poorly maintained, and there are few bike lanes or pedestrian walkways. This makes life difficult for people without cars and contributes to traffic congestion, poor air quality, and a lack of community spaces.
• Many argue that the suburban sprawl resulting from post-war planning is a prime example of motor-vehicle-oriented urban development. The low-density housing, the absence of mixed-use zoning, and the wide, car-centric streets create a built environment where owning a car is essential for completing even the most basic errands, creating an increased dependency.
• The motor-vehicle-oriented infrastructure, from highways cutting through neighborhoods to vast parking lots surrounding shopping centers, has contributed to the decline of walkable neighborhoods and vibrant downtowns in many communities. This focus has often sidelined or eliminated green spaces in the name of faster traffic flow, impacting health and quality of life.
• A significant shift away from the motor-vehicle-oriented paradigm is needed to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Investing in public transport, promoting bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and densifying residential areas are crucial steps in creating more sustainable and equitable transportation networks, with less dependency on cars.