New discussions have emerged regarding the inherent dangers of "stroads"—hybrid thoroughfares attempting to serve as both high-speed roads and local streets—with an expert asserting these designs were "designed to kill pedestrians." This sharp criticism, highlighted in a recent social media post by Bernard Stanford, underscores a growing debate about systemic road design flaws versus individual responsibility in pedestrian accidents.
The term "stroad," coined by urban planner Charles Marohn of Strong Towns, describes a type of roadway that combines the characteristics of a high-speed road with the multiple access points and commercial activity of a street. This blend often results in wide lanes, high speeds, and numerous intersections, creating environments that are neither efficient for through traffic nor safe for local pedestrian activity. These designs frequently lack essential safety features such as adequate crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and sufficient lighting.
Studies corroborate the severe risk posed by stroads. Reports indicate that over 60% of pedestrian fatalities from motor vehicles occur on such roads. The inherent conflict between high-speed vehicle movement and frequent pedestrian interaction makes these areas particularly hazardous, leading to a disproportionate number of accidents involving vulnerable road users.
The strong condemnation of stroad design brings into focus the complex issue of liability in pedestrian accidents. While individual actions of drivers and pedestrians are often scrutinized, the structural dangers of these roadways suggest that the environment itself plays a significant role. Legal frameworks often consider shared fault, where both road users and infrastructure design can contribute to an accident's cause, challenging the notion that blame rests solely on individuals.
Efforts to mitigate the risks associated with stroads include initiatives to convert them into either true roads, prioritizing high-speed flow with limited access, or true streets, emphasizing pedestrian safety and local commerce through traffic calming measures and improved infrastructure. Urban planners and safety advocates continue to push for redesigns that prioritize human safety over vehicle speed, aiming to create more livable and less dangerous communities.