TABLE OF CONTENTS Life in cities i.e., in organized human settlements, which are mostly referred to as communities in this book is possible only if people have mobility [1] on a daily basis the ability to move around so that they can do what they have to do or like to do. One characterization of a city is that it consists of specialized, frequently clustered, activities that perform discrete functions. Residences are separate from workplaces, major shopping is concentrated in identifiable centers, and larger entertainment and relaxation facilities are found at specific locations. They have to have accessibility. [2] Unlike in a village, very few of these destinations are reachable on foot; at least, they tend not to be within a convenient walking distance.
The large ancient and medieval cities were actually conglomerations of neighborhoods in which daily life could take place within a short radius; only occasionally was a longer trip to a major event necessary. Industrialization during the nineteenth century caused a true urban revolution by disaggregating the small-scale pattern into metropolitan structures with strong and intensive production and service zones. Assisted transportation became mandatory, and was, indeed, quickly invented horse cars, steam railroads, electric streetcars, and eventually underground metro (electric heavy rail) systems.
The twentieth century brought further development of the rail modes, and introduced individual motor (gasoline- and diesel-powered) vehicles buses and automobiles. The latter came to dominate the transportation field, at least in North America, and dispersed the urban pattern further into sprawl. We are all familiar...
