Roadcentric

Roadcentric is an adjective used to describe planning, policy, or design approaches that give primary priority to road networks and motor vehicle travel. In roadcentric contexts, road capacity, speed, and car‑oriented infrastructure influence land use, zoning, and public investment decisions, with the automobile often treated as the default mode of mobility. The term is frequently employed in critiques of transport planning to signal a bias toward roads over other modes.

Origins and usage: The term emerged in urban planning and transportation discourse as scholars and practitioners compared strategies that expand highways and arterial roads with multimodal or transit‑oriented strategies. It is used to describe a paradigm in which traffic flow and vehicle throughput shape urban form and fiscal decisions more than pedestrians, cyclists, or public transit users.

Impacts: Proponents argue that road-centric policies can reduce travel times for car users and support freight movement, economic activity, and regional connectivity. Critics point to induced demand, urban sprawl, air and noise pollution, accidents, and unequal access for non-drivers, especially in dense or disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Alternatives and evolution: In many planning contexts, road-centric approaches are being rebalanced by concepts such as complete streets, multimodal networks, and transit-oriented development. Policy tools include traffic calming, bus and rail investments, pedestrian improvements, and demand management to decrease reliance on private cars.

Current usage: The term appears in academic literature, policy debates, and media coverage about city design and transportation planning. Its relevance varies by region, reflecting different traffic conditions, political priorities, and infrastructure histories.