Why do most downtowns have so many one way streets?

Answer 1

It's a traffic control thing, by restricting the flow of traffic you reduce the risk of accidents and backups. if you'll look at any major down town street map you'll see that traffic is directed to and from major highways.(little blue arrows)

Answer 2

As annoying as it may seem, it probably has alot to do with moving traffic as fast as possible from point A to point B. It also limits your choice to going only 2 ways -- straight ahead or right, straight ahead or left, or left or right. Knowing where you want to go and how to get there is half the battle.

I like to look at maps of a city on the web. If you go to Google Maps, and enter the name of a city, you can zoom in closer to see street names and can print it off or do a screen print (printkey). Then get directions from Penn Station, for example, to the Javitts Center. It will give you directions and stree names. Know the territory before you set out. It's like urban orienteering. It can be a great fun adventure! Never travel alone if possible1

Answer 3

I know, I live and work on streets of a downtown and that sucks. It's only to make some space for buildings...2 lanes streets would take a lot more space.

Answer 4

They are too narrow, especially with residents parking, to allow for two way traffic. Some started as horse lanes, and many others were designed for yesterday's cars, not Hummers.

Answer 5

With a lot of people walking around, my guess is it's because it's safer for people to cross having to only look the one way.

Just a guess.

Answer 6

Because traffic flows faster when you don't have to yield to oncoming traffic.

Answer 7

to confuse the hell out of tourist.