Multi-Modal Design – Streets Built for People

Rethinking the Street

For too long, streets have been designed with one primary purpose: moving cars. But communities are asking for more now. People want streets that feel safe to cross, bike lanes they can trust, sidewalks that connect neighborhoods, and transit that’s easy to use.

At McClure, our engineers and landscape architects always start with people first. We ask: What’s it like for a child walking to school? A commuter catching the bus? A family biking downtown? When we design with those questions in mind, roads stop being just corridors for cars — they become community spaces.

The Challenge of Change

Designing new roads is one thing. Reimagining existing ones is where the real challenge comes in. Older corridors often weren’t built for bikes, buses, or pedestrians, so finding ways to layer those modes in takes creativity, engineering know-how, and community trust.

That’s why public involvement is so important. Sometimes that means open houses or master planning workshops. Other times it might mean testing a new layout with temporary changes — a pop-up bike lane, curb bump-outs, or narrowed intersections — so people can try out the improvements before they’re permanent. When residents see and experience what’s possible, it builds momentum and buy-in.

Tools for Safer, Smarter Streets

There isn’t one single answer to multi-modal design. It’s a toolkit, and every project pulls from it differently depending on the needs of the community. Some of the strategies we often bring to the table include:

• Road diets that reallocate space from extra lanes to people-focused uses.
• Protected bike lanes that make cycling feel safe for everyone, not just the fearless few.
• Pedestrian-first intersections that slow down turning vehicles and shorten crossing distances.
• Transit integration that makes buses and shuttles more reliable and comfortable.

When these tools are combined thoughtfully, they create streets that are easier to use, safer for all, and more inviting as public spaces.

Designing with People, Not Just for Them

Every community is different. A college town might prioritize bike connections. A historic downtown might focus on pedestrian comfort and preserving character. A suburban corridor might need to rethink how cars and transit share space.

That’s why the process matters just as much as the outcome. Listening, testing, and refining with the community ensures that the final design reflects not only technical standards but also local values. The best multi-modal projects don’t just change infrastructure — they change how people feel about their streets.

A Path to Sustainability

Multi-modal design also plays a key role in supporting many cities’ sustainability initiatives. By giving people safe, reliable options beyond single-occupancy vehicles, we help reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions. Protected bike lanes and walkable streets encourage active transportation, while well-connected transit networks reduce dependence on cars.

Landscape architects add another layer by integrating green infrastructure — things like stormwater management, street trees, and native plantings — into multi-modal corridors. These features not only make streets more attractive and comfortable, they also improve air quality, manage runoff, and support broader climate goals.

When multi-modal projects align with sustainability initiatives, the benefits multiply: healthier residents, cleaner air, and streets that feel more livable and resilient.

The Road Ahead

Multi-modal design is about seeing streets as places for people, not just pipelines for traffic. It takes engineering precision, landscape architecture’s human-scale perspective, and a collaborative process that brings the community along.

At McClure, we believe streets should be assets — places that connect, welcome, and support every mode of travel. Done right, they make daily life easier, safer, and more enjoyable, while also advancing the sustainability goals that so many communities are striving toward.

Because in the end, multi-modal design isn’t just about how we get around — it’s about creating streets that support healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities.