Not only are private cars increasingly out of favor in some European cities–they and their drivers are purposely badgered, frustrated, and in other ways deterred by intentional, pointed government policy and practice. For example, tram and trolley operators in Zurich can change traffic lights, forcing cars to a halt.
Many smart-growthers in America fantasize about such things happening here, but compared to a decade or two ago, are American cities really now pushing back against the almighty automobile? New York City has taken back lanes for bicycles; cities are putting in raised crosswalks, “road diet” measures, and even considering downing elevated downtown freeways to give people better access to waterfronts.
It’s probably safe to say that cars in America are not quite so squarely in the crosshairs as they are in Europe. Should they be?
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