Detroit is known for its cars, but it’s also known for creating a lot of space for those cars. 

Wide roads with many lanes cross the city and its suburbs.

But there’s a real push from Detroit planners to change that — to make our streets more compatible and safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and to slow down motorists. 

Three years ago, Detroit published a “Streets for People” report about how to improve its streets. 

And earlier this week, a city official told The Metro that Detroit plans to make a series of truck route restrictions in Southwest. That regulation is meant to prevent big trucks from navigating neighborhood blocks. 

Producer Sam Corey spoke with Wayne State Urban Planner Eric Bettis about why Detroit has wide roads, and whether the city is trying to durably change that.

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