This is a trend for more than just roads -- er -- streets. Businesses demand high-visibility (is Jiffy Lube going to build on a "street"?) but planning councils demand "livibility" and other vague** qualities. So you end up with nice, wide sidewalks that no one uses and attractive street lights.

There is a new shopping center in Charlottesville, Stonefield, which is a different manifestation of the same concept: suppoosedly a 'livable' community with condos and shopping, but it ended up being a bizarre, faux-downtown feel with horrible parking. You're welcome to ride you bike, of course -- you can choose between the 8-lane highway or the 6-lane thoroughfare to get there.

**Livibility may not be vague to some of you, but I don't think most planning councils get it.