Europe is edging towards making post-car cities a reality (economist.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the trend of European cities moving towards a post-car reality, with many cities investing in alternative transportation methods and infrastructure. Commenters share their personal experiences of living car-free in cities like Berlin and Paris. They highlight the importance of good public transportation, bike-friendly infrastructure, and pedestrianized areas in making cities more livable. The discussion also touches on the challenges of implementing such changes, including pushback from residents and the need for careful urban planning.

Main themes

• post-car cities
• alternative transportation
• urban planning
• sustainable living
• European cities
• car-free infrastructure

What commenters say

• Living car-free in European cities is becoming increasingly easy due to well-developed public transportation and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• The key to successful post-car cities is careful urban planning that prioritizes pedestrianized areas and alternative transportation methods.
• Some people argue that removing cars from cities is a class issue, with wealthier residents benefiting from the changes while poorer residents are pushed to the suburbs.
• Others believe that the benefits of post-car cities, such as improved air quality and reduced traffic, outweigh the potential drawbacks.
• There is a need for a balanced approach to urban planning that takes into account the needs of all residents, including those who rely on cars for transportation.
• The implementation of post-car city initiatives can be hindered by pushback from residents who are attached to their cars and resistant to change.
• Alternative transportation methods, such as buses and bike-sharing systems, can be effective in reducing car dependency, but they require careful planning and investment in infrastructure.