That planning decision articulates to the drivers and pedestrians that the cars will encounter few or no hazards, and that the pedestrians are not welcome near

That planning decision articulates to the drivers and pedestrians that the cars will encounter few or no hazards, and that the pedestrians are not welcome near roadways. It also supports things like large safety areas (25 ft) on either side of the road that allow drivers to be minimally injured if their cars leave the road. It tells everyone, "cars have margin of error to wander out of their space" and, following from that, "pedestrians shouldn't feel overly confident about not encountering cars in pedestrian space." That's a pretty good way to do highways. The alternative is the reverse, where pedestrians wander, and drivers know not to get too comfortable even in their own spaces. This arrangement supports commerce and community and vitality. You can't have it both ways. You're either moving cars, or you're building places. Both have their place, but they are separate places.