Vehicular-centric

Vehicular-centric describes a perspective, policy, or design that prioritizes or is primarily focused on motor vehicles and their use. It often leads to infrastructure and urban planning that favors cars over other modes of transportation, such as public transit, cycling, and walking. This can involve features like ample parking, wide roadways, and suburban sprawl, which can in turn have negative effects on pedestrian safety, air quality, and community cohesion. This ideology prioritizes efficiency for vehicles which is often at the expense of a more multi-modal approach.

Vehicular-centric meaning with examples

• The city's zoning laws demonstrate a clear vehicular-centric approach, with extensive parking requirements for every new development, even in areas well-served by public transportation. This focus on cars discourages investment in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The result is traffic congestion, diminished walkability, and reduced incentives for using public transport.
• The proposed highway expansion is a prime example of vehicular-centric thinking, prioritizing the movement of cars at the expense of the surrounding neighborhoods. The plan fails to adequately address the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, which increases pollution, disrupts communities, and neglects alternative transportation options.
• The design of this shopping center reflects a purely vehicular-centric mindset. The layout prioritizes easy access by car with acres of parking, with only minimal thought given to pedestrians or cyclists, which neglects other modes of transport and the local community, which further worsens air quality.
• Many urban planning decisions have historically been vehicular-centric, often leading to the demolition of buildings to make way for roadways and parking garages, which reduces local community and increases the reliance on cars. The resulting sprawl and traffic contribute to environmental problems and decreased livability.
• The government's transportation policy is undeniably vehicular-centric, allocating the majority of funding to road construction and maintenance, while giving limited support to public transport and active transportation infrastructure, which reduces public health and the environment.