Page 34 - Greensboro, NC-GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan

BECOMING CAR OPTIONAL

Becoming Car Optional describes the aim to
expand transportation options beyond cars and
maintain an efficient transportation system that
allows people and goods to travel throughout
Greensboro. This Big Idea focuses on lessening our
dependence on private automobiles and reducing
the pressure to have multiple cars per household.

Why Become Car Optional?
Like most cites in the United States, the design of
Greensboro’s land uses and road network make
walking, cycling, and other non-automotive
means of transportation difficult, and many times
unpleasant. We have become dependent on private
automobiles for the vast majority of trips outside of
our house, rather than viewing the automobile as
one of multiple options.
Public demand for a variety of transportation
options, for neighborhoods that provide sidewalks,
and for amenities within walking and cycling
distance has grown significantly. These trends are
particularly strong among millennials.
Greensboro is adding sidewalks and bike lanes
and continuing to improve our transit system, but
a holistic approach that includes land use and
development practices will be more effective in
meeting the public demand for transportation
options that increase convenience and improve
health.

31 |GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan