Giving people want they want vs. what they need
Giving people want they want vs. what they need
Who decides what happens in the public right-of-way?
If I'd asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, “A faster horse!”
—Henry Ford
Some people say, "Give the customers what they want." But that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.
—Steve Jobs
I’ve been pulled or drawn into a bunch of conversations recently stemming from infrastructure “improvements” getting voted down. Intersection redesign, bus stop shelters, EV charging hubs…you name it. If it gets put to a vote, it gets shelved.
People want what’s bad for them.
That’s the root problem, but it’s rarely identified in social media spats about urban planning or infrastructure projects. I don’t know why so many people reject this idea because it’s no different than craving a bowl of ice cream when you’re trying to lose weight.
I’m a glutton for punishment on this issue because I want anyone and everyone to challenge their own stated positions. People fling commentary around as if feelings don’t require any supporting evidence.
“I think it’s best to find out what the community wants.”
“I think the elected leaders should decide what happens in the public right of way.”
“I think bike lanes are a waste because I don’t see anyone using them.”
“I think new roads are a waste because I don’t see anyone using them.”
“I think anyone who removes a single car parking space should be run out of town.”
Was it best when the community wanted to ban smoking from restaurants? Or was it right 5 minutes before that when the community wanted to protect smoking in restaurants? Strong opinions are easily dismissed when they’re not connected to personal experience. The person next to you is just as passionate about the opposite point of view.
One reason infrastructure topics get so volatile is the inconsistent message from local politicians and agency staff about the public realm. Staff and elected politicians are inconsistent parents, feeling frazzled because the kids are constantly fighting.
City Hall: "This is a public street, so we won't guarantee you'll like the car parking situation."
Also City Hall: "Since this is a public street, we're removing bike lanes to guarantee car parking."
Who controls the street?
Each local government will decide for itself how much public opinion can or should factor into design decisions. Some can be driven by public popularity contests, while others opt for staff being responsible for the public right-of-way. I’m not judging the approaches, I’m begging for some consistency.
If you feel this frustration with your local government agencies, try asking this question at every opportunity:
When there’s a debate over public right-of-way, who decides what happens?
Get people talking about the trade-offs that come with putting an issue to vote. What you’ll find is doors opening for education about infrastructure planning and design, rather than 3-minute podium rants on council’s vote night.
Who knows, you might end up teaching your block the virtues of bike-friendly site plans and zoning reform.
