“People find uses to fill space available”

It’s true of how we use our cars: build another lane and it fills up.  People see the space meant to relieve existing congestion, and then either switch from other routes, drive at times they might otherwise avoid, or simply drive more to take advantage of the opportunity.  It’s called induced traffic.

And it’s true to a degree of how we move on foot.  People find uses to fill available space.

Here’s a recent example: the 800-block Robson, where the one block between Howe and Hornby just reopened.  Within a week it has become one of the best ‘people places’ in the city.  Here’s how it looked on Saturday afternoon:

Thanks to a busker who attracted a sizeable crowd that spread across the plaza, there was only a narrow path past his performance.  For bikes, no space at all.  And he was only one of several users of the block, not to mention the chairs and tables scattered across the space.

Essentially the congestion that characterized the right-of-way when it still looked like a street has returned, only now it’s more entertaining.  And just as a traffic engineer might argue that a newly congested lane is a sign of success – more drivers able to take advantage of a public good – so a crowded Robson Street is a sign of a successful urban space.  Maybe too successful.