September 24th, 2024

Want to Build a Perfect 21st Century Town? Ban Cars

Culdesac, Arizona, is being developed as the first car-free city in the U.S., featuring 760 residential units without parking, emphasizing walkability and sustainable living, with completion expected by 2028.

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Want to Build a Perfect 21st Century Town? Ban Cars

Culdesac, Arizona, is being developed as the first car-free city built from scratch in the United States, emphasizing pedestrian and cyclist-friendly living. Founded by Ryan Johnson and Jeff Berens, the project aims to create a community where walkability is the primary focus, eliminating the need for cars. The development includes various amenities such as a grocery store, gym, café, and bike shop, with plans for 760 residential units that will house around 1,000 residents. Notably, none of the units will come with parking spaces, and residents are required to keep their vehicles at least one block away if they own one. This initiative reflects a growing trend in urban planning, where cities are beginning to eliminate parking requirements to promote more sustainable living environments. Tempe, where Culdesac is located, has been supportive of this vision, having already expanded its public transportation and bike lane infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed by 2028, with the first phase already accommodating about 250 residents. Johnson believes that by prioritizing pedestrian access and reducing car dependency, Culdesac can offer a more enjoyable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

- Culdesac is the first car-free city built from scratch in the U.S.

- The development includes 760 residential units with no parking spaces.

- Amenities include a grocery store, gym, café, and bike shop.

- The project reflects a trend in urban planning to eliminate parking requirements.

- Completion of the entire development is expected by 2028.

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Link Icon 7 comments
By @mikestew - 7 months
Was this an edited title, or some A/B testing? Because the title I see is Can Car-free Living Make You Happier?, and what is described in the article is hardly a town, but more like an oversized apartment complex.
By @tim333 - 7 months
It's interesting that rather than walking everywhere and getting busses they seem to have gone with ebikes. I've found in practice that kind of thing is a very pleasant way to get around. Unlike walking/busses it's pretty quick. Also unlike non electric bikes it's kind of effortless which is good for older people - I'm 60 and find non electric a bit tiring now. And unlike cars parking isn't really a problem. Also unlike motorcycles, limiting the speed to 15-20 mph makes it mostly non fatal accident wise.
By @orionblastar - 7 months
Before we had cars, we had cities with general stores and stores for every need. Later when cars were in use trucks carried goods to Walmart and other big box stores that put the smaller stores out of business.
By @dyauspitr - 7 months
I haven’t read the article but a town without cars implies that I’ll have to live in close proximity to a lot of people. Which means it’s apartment and condo living or living with no significant backyards. Both of these would be immediate dealbreakers for me.
By @someonehere - 7 months
Peoplemover like Walt Disney and vision with Epcot and the original design
By @vouaobrasil - 7 months
First, make sure enough of it is natural habitat for animals so people don't have to drive to national parks outside the city to gain some contact with nature.
By @OldGuyInTheClub - 7 months
Fine if you are young, able-bodied, don't need medical care, and don't mind living with the sights, sounds, and smells of a lot of other people. Not to mention the algorithmic rent hikes and whatever restrictions the landlord imposes.