Historically, streets were far more than just "transportation infrastructure". They were the quintessential "public space", accommodating many different uses: t

Historically, streets were far more than just "transportation infrastructure". They were the quintessential "public space", accommodating many different uses: transportation, yes, but not (just) cars but also bikes or pedestrians. Children playing, parents having an after-work beer with neighbors, street vendors, protests etc... If parks are available within walking distance for every child then that's preferable. But from what I remember, it rarely is in the US.