ANDRES RAND ⟩ If urban space belongs to everyone, it also belongs to those who need a car
Andres Rand argues that the urban space should accommodate all, including car drivers, amidst ongoing discussions on the societal role of vehicles.
In his response to Tarmo Tähepõllu's opinion piece, Andres Rand from the Estonian Car Owners' Association emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the role of car drivers in urban planning. He highlights that the conversation should not merely revolve around public percentages but rather focus on the attitudes we normalize towards different groups within the spatial dynamics of the city. Rand asserts that urban spaces should cater to the needs of all citizens, including those who rely on cars for their mobility.
Rand critiques the tendency to reduce complex discussions about urban space and transportation to simple numerical arguments or emotional appeals. He stresses that this approach fails to address the broader implications of how we define and design our living environments. By isolating percentages as points of contention, the real issue of equitable access to urban space for all, including car owners, is overlooked.
Ultimately, Rand calls for a more inclusive conversation about urban planning that recognizes the diverse needs of all individuals, emphasizing the importance of creating urban environments that accommodate various modes of transport. Such discussions are crucial as cities evolve and aim to meet the challenges of modern mobility, ensuring that everyone has a place in the urban landscape, not just a selective few.