How much space vehicles actually cover on the roads?

The Struggle for Pedestrian Space: A Tale of Two Worlds

In the hustle and bustle of our modern cities, it’s evident that public spaces are often designed with cars in mind, rather than the people who walk the streets. This issue is brilliantly illustrated by the Swedish artist Karl Jilg, whose creative work sheds light on the stark reality of our car-centric urban landscapes.

Jilg’s ingenious illustration serves as a wakeup call, exposing the extent to which our urban environments cater to automobiles. In his thought-provoking image, city streets transform into gaping gorges, crosswalks morph into precarious planks, and sidewalks become mere shallow ledges. Through these stark visual metaphors, he underscores just how limited the space for pedestrians is at the typical intersection.

The Swedish Road Administration, recognizing the significance of Jilg’s message, commissioned this artwork. It serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge of accommodating pedestrians in car-dominated cities is a global concern.

The illustration by Karl Jilg shows how much public space we’ve given up to cars.

Nevertheless, there are cities around the world that have recognized the need for change. For instance, Copenhagen boasts one of the world’s longest pedestrian-only streets, the 0.7-mile-long shopping district known as Strøget. In 2009, New York City also took a significant step by introducing pedestrian-only zones in Times Square and Herald Square, encouraging residents to embrace a car-free lifestyle every Earth Day.

In stark contrast, Europe’s largest car-free space can be found in Venice’s Centro Storico, a 3-mile-long medieval city that has admirably maintained a pedestrian-centric layout. Unfortunately, such urban planning remains an exception, as most modern cities tend to prioritize personal vehicles over public transit and pedestrian access.

Jilg’s compelling illustration challenges us to rethink how public space is allocated and, in doing so, highlights the ongoing struggle for pedestrian-friendly urban environments. It calls upon us to question the status quo and advocate for more equitable and accessible public spaces in the cities we call home.