Lane reductions on busy streets can be a contentious issue. While the average pedestrian on a busy street wants safety, the average person driving their car down the same street wants efficiency.
These two opposing points summarize many discussions I've had lately with friends and family regarding the status of streets and how to build them correctly. Ultimately, I've found, the contentious issue surrounding lane reductions come down to two fundamental differences in mentality: Those who live in walkable areas, use transit and are concerned with safety above anything else, and those who live in the suburbs, drive through the city on their way to work and want efficiency.
While the conclusion I draw from these discussions is simple ("move downtown" ...) it seems as though experts draw similar conclusions though have a different method of reaching the same, simple point.
This video outlines really well why experts and advocates involved in active transportation planning want to decrease the amount of lanes on our roads. Thoroughfare or side street, they argue, lane reductions make streets more safe and efficient - whether your driving, cycling or walking.
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