Question

Throughout the mid-twentieth century, urban planning in North America was dominated by the automobile. Cities were redesigned with wide lanes, sprawling parking lots, and highway systems designed to move vehicles as quickly as possible from suburban residential zones to commercial city centers. While this car-centric model initially promised unprecedented freedom of movement, it ultimately fragmented communities, reduced pedestrian activity, and contributed to the economic decline of traditional downtown districts.

In recent decades, however, a shift has occurred. Urban planners are increasingly adopting 'New Urbanism' principles, which prioritize human-scale design and pedestrian accessibility. By converting multi-lane roads into mixed-use streets with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and public plazas, cities are reclaiming public space for community interaction. These changes do more than just make cities more attractive; they foster social cohesion by creating spontaneous meeting spaces and boost local economies as foot traffic increases visits to neighborhood businesses. For instance, the revitalization of Broad Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee, saw a significant increase in local retail revenue and a return of residents to the city center after pedestrian-friendly infrastructure was installed. While critics initially feared that reducing lane capacity would lead to gridlock, studies have shown that well-designed pedestrian zones actually distribute traffic more efficiently while revitalizing the urban fabric.

Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage as a whole?