One way streets: are they annoying, or not?

Man, I hate one way streets."

We've all heard that before. I hate when I pass a particular building of interest, I would have to go all the way around a block just to go back to the building. Sometimes I'd have to go all the around a couple blocks. Sometimes I'd miss the building altogether AGAIN. I hate one-way streets. Why can't all streets be two-way?! It would make my life a lot easier.

Would it?

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Did you know most one-way streets were made from two-way streets between the 1930's and 1950's? These conversions took place before the prevalent use of the auto. They made city blocks tighter and roads narrower. The goal of the conversion was to make the movement of people and goods easier and safer.

Now, many city planners want to convert the one-way roads to two-way. Should they? A closer look at the differences between one-way vs two-way suggests that although one-way roads may be annoying at times, they can possibly be the better of the two plans of transportation.

Here are some points to think about in regards to one-way roads:

- Pedestrians only need to look one way while watching traffic. People like me, who tend to jump out in front of cars, will be a lot safer. (Studies have shown a dramatic decrease in pedestrian-related accidents in one-way roads as opposed to two-way.)

- Cars travel at a faster speed because they are synchronized to travel at a higher speed. Traffic on two-way streets are often delayed due to left-turns.

- One way roads save space because they obliterate the need for left-turn-lanes.

- There is no need for median strips, multiple lanes to accomodate right and left turns, or wider lanes to alleviate congestion.

- Faster cars and less congestion also would mean less pollution from auto-emissions.

- Since traffic is faster, the total time to get to a certain destination is actually reduced, even if you need to circle a block again. Less traffic congestion and faster travel time would encourage certain businesses. (The businesses that would not benefit from one-way streets are those retails who attract spontaneous shoppers.)

- Less cost, mainly for older, more established cities. No need to upheave sidewalks and cut area off building zones to create more space for two-way traffic.

- Overall, people just drive a lot safer. Less assholes.

This entry is dedicated to the slightly special person who suggested the prompt of city streets having one-way roads. Thanks for the idea! Have a good day! :)