roadoriented

Roadoriented is an adjective used in urban planning and transportation studies to describe a planning philosophy, design approach, or policy framework that prioritizes road networks and motor vehicle mobility over other transportation modes. The term appears in scholarly and policy discussions as a descriptive label for conditions in which road infrastructure and car travel are assumed to be the primary drivers of urban form and accessibility.

Typical indicators of a roadoriented approach include emphasis on maintaining or expanding road capacity through widenings or new arterials, prioritization of car traffic in street design (lane width, turning radii, signal timing), extensive on-street parking, and zoning that concentrates development along major roads. Pedestrian, cycling, and transit facilities may be treated as secondary or optional, and land-use patterns often favor single-use, auto-dependent travel over mixed-use neighborhoods.

The effect of roadoriented planning is debated. Advocates cite improved move-through times for vehicles, better emergency access, and clearer logistics for freight. Critics argue that it induces more driving, contributes to congestion elsewhere, increases pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces access to shops and services for non-drivers. In response, many cities explore alternatives such as transit-oriented development, complete streets, and multimodal networks that prioritize people and place alongside mobility.

While roadoriented is not a standardized technical term, it is used in some analyses to contrast car-centric planning with more holistic approaches to urban mobility.