One expect summed it up by saying: "Trying to cure traffic…
“One expect summed it up by saying: "Trying to cure traffic congestion by building more roads is like trying to cure obesity by loosening your belt." One study of 30 California counties over several decades found that, for every 10% increase in road capacity, traffic increased by 9% within four years.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Building more roads to ease traffic is as ineffective as loosening a belt to cure obesity; capacity increases invite demand.
In simple terms: More roads attract more traffic, similar to belts and obesity.
Key Takeaway
Focus on demand management, not just capacity.
Themes
urban planning
traffic
infrastructure
behavioral economics
environment
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
analysis
policy
When to use this quote
- city planning
- policy making
- public awareness
Key Concepts
transportation
economics
system dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can demand‑side strategies reduce traffic?
- What alternatives replace road expansion?
A Different Perspective
Capacity alone cannot solve congestion; complementary measures needed.