Themroads

Themroads is a term used in speculative fiction and urban planning discourse to describe an imagined network of streets and pathways designed to reflect and accommodate plural identities within cities. The term emphasizes infrastructure as a social project as much as a physical one.

The term originated in online discussions in the early 2020s, appearing on urban-design forums and science fiction communities as a metaphor for inclusive infrastructure and collaborative governance. It has since been used to frame debates about how cities can better reflect diverse communities and mobility needs.

Core principles include inclusive wayfinding with multilingual signage, universally accessible curb ramps, adjustable lane configurations, and participatory planning that centers marginalized voices. The concept envisions streets that can adapt to events and diverse mobility needs without privileging a single mode of transport.

In fiction, themroads are used to examine how urban space can reflect collective identity, resilience, and conflict. In planning debates, they serve as a thought experiment to critique existing road networks and to imagine more equitable, participatory processes.

Critics argue that themroads risk being vague, technocratic, or performative if not grounded in concrete policy and community engagement. Proponents say the idea offers a useful frame for evaluating equity, safety, and experience in urban mobility.

See also: inclusive design, transport equity, urban planning, smart cities.