We believe cities should be built around people, not cars. Since Lyft’s inception, we’ve thought about how our vision would require us to compete with the convenience of car ownership to end traffic congestion, inspire a transportation revolution, and lead an equitable, scalable approach to shared bikes and scooter systems in cities.

Now COVID-19 has drastically changed cities — and in turn, urban transportation. With health safety top of mind for all people, unemployment skyrocketing, and continued protests around racial injustice, the ability to get around a city in a safe, healthy, and affordable way is more important than ever.

All of these changes are forcing cities to think differently and recognize that building resilient cities means building resilient transportation networks. Read more about how we see street design as essential to how people choose to get around.

Reimagining our streets

For our cities to thrive in the long term, the dominant transportation choice of owning a car and driving alone needs to shift. For that to shift, our streets need to change. What might they look like?

World-class streets are built not for, but with the community and the neighborhoods that surround them. Local community groups and advocates on the ground are shaping these visions with their input, inspiring a dialogue about how streets can best serve communities in an equitable and inclusive way.

• In Queens, NYC, we looked at how the introduction of Select Bus Service, new protected bicycle infrastructure, and the expansion of Citi Bike could help transform access for central and western Queens residents.
• On Chicago’s west side, we examined how increased cycling and walking infrastructure can help encourage residents to use sustainable transportation modes between neighborhoods and for trips to downtown and the Loop.
• In Ward 8 of Washington, DC, we studied how additional people-centered transportation options and infrastructure can better connect neighborhoods east of the Anacostia river with with and the Navy Yard and beyond.
• We’re also helping advocates bring their visions for resilient streets to life in Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; and Somerville, MA.

Take action to support resilient streets in your city.