A little more than a century ago, cars were introduced to our cityscape, dramatically changing the nature of streets as places for walking. Through societal shifts and new design priorities, they became urban thoroughfares built for speed. 

In the latest installment of the Library’s Making a Great City series, University of Virginia transit historian Peter Norton examines that evolution, its impact, and the necessity – again – to revise our concept of city streets. We’ve adopted the most expensive transportation strategy conceivable, he says, advocating for mobility that is more inclusive, more equitable, and more healthful. 

Norton is an associate professor of history in the Department of Engineering and Society at Virginia, where he teaches the history of technology, social dimensions of engineering, research, and professional ethics. A frequent speaker on the subject of sustainable and equitable urban mobility, he is the author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving. 

His presentation is the 15th in the Making a Great City series, which is aimed at fostering the healthy growth of Kansas City. Now in its sixth year, it is co-presented by Multistudio, the Hall Family Foundation, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. 

This program is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.