"But that could never work here"... Let's get real

 All cities are just places filled with a bunch of people making economical decisions and trying to live their lives in the most fulfilling way they can. I’ve learned that towns in The Netherlands and Denmark actually have a really similar past to cities in the US. The Netherlands like the US now used to have an extremely car-dependent infrastructure. They made the mistake of putting highways right through the middle of thriving neighborhoods. They’ve expanded highways to try and deal with congestion just to see them fill up with more car traffic than before. Their governments have decided to make decisions for people to some extent and reallocate some of the rights of way to biking and walking. They’ve seen their citizens become happier, healthier, and wealthier. 

Here’s a picture that looks like it could be from any town in the US. The neighborhood actually requested a redesign of the street and here’s what it looks like now. Cars move slower, and vulnerable street users like children and older folks are welcome. There is NO difference between our towns besides our political will to try something new.