"Four-lane roadways significantly discourage mobility and access of transit users (cannot cross these streets), pedestrians and bicyclists. Communities interested in providing higher levels of service and broadening transportation choices, find street conversions essential to success. Cities like Toronto in Ontario, Canada; Santa Monica, Pasadena, Arcada and Mountain View in California; Seattle, Kirkland, Gig Harbor, University Place and Bellevue in Washington; and Portland, Eugene and Bend in Oregon; are finding funds to increase mobility and access by reducing the number of lanes and widths of arterial and collector streets."

Nationwide, engineers are putting roads on "diets", helping them lose lanes and width. In the process formerly "fat" streets often become leaner, safer, and more efficient. They become multi-modal and more productive. In many cases these former "warrior" roadways are tamed and turned into "angels."

Often these changed roads set the stage for millions or mega- millions of dollars in new commercial and residential develop- ment. The change can increase value of existing properties. In some cases costs of reconstructing roadways are repaid in as little as one year through increased sales tax or property tax revenue.

Roadway conversions discussed here may be just the ticket to start remaking unhealthy, unsafe city neighborhoods or commer- cial districts and turn them into more robust, vital, economically sound places. Road conversion may be undertaken to create safer, more efficient ways to provide access and mobility for pedestrians, bicycle riders and transit users, as well as motorists. They improve livability and quality of life for residents and shoppers. Just as with human diets, road diets without doctors' (transportation planners and engineers) analyses and prescrip- tions, might be foolhardy.