Just to compare, this is the utopian dream for Toronto:
There are approx. 18 cars and trucks in that image.
They are taking up SIGNIFICANTLY more space, and are causing traffic.
Still, we keep saying, “give us more of this, please!”.
Insanity or stupidity?
Sounds like poor planning and issues of a relatively old city. On the other hand, same is the issue with bicycles, so, yeah.
Yes having a park is “poor city planning”.
No, but putting a park on an important lane is; besides, some of the electric transportation can be seamlessly integrated into the park environment for those who need it.
Serious question: how would you plan a park in the center of a city such that it’s not in between two places? Don’t tell me that you would move it to the outskirts of the city. Having green inside the city is exactly the point!
Small quiet trams are generally pretty good for that. They don’t require anything but two rails and overhead wires, and the rest can be as green as you like, as shown by many European cities. Sure, you won’t be able to put it everywhere, or else you’ll decrease safety and isolation, but one or two rails on most crucial sides are an option.
You’re never going to get public transport to every street corner. It can always be better, but honestly having big sections of green without streets running through them is a good idea, not something to plan away…