Carspreading: How Oversized Vehicles Are Taking Over Our Cities

As urban cyclists, we’ve all experienced it – streets that feel increasingly cramped, parking spaces that spill onto bike lanes, and city spaces that seem to be shrinking.

There’s a term for this phenomenon: carspreading.

A UK campaign run by Clean Cities is trying to tackle it. Can this be replicated worldwide?

What is Carspreading?

Carspreading refers to the growing trend of oversized vehicles, particularly SUVs and large cars, taking up disproportionate amounts of urban space.

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It’s not just about the physical size – it’s about how these vehicles impact our cities’ livability, safety, and accessibility.

Modern cars, especially SUVs, have grown significantly larger over the years.

According to the Clean Cities Campaign:

• Cars are getting bigger — about 1cm wider every two years.
• People hit by larger cars when walking or cycling are far less likely to survive.
• Petrol and diesel SUVs burn around 20% more fuel.
• The majority of new cars in the UK are expensive SUVs.

Why Should Cyclists Care?

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For cyclists, carspreading presents several critical concerns:

1. Reduced Space: Larger vehicles mean less room for cycling infrastructure and shared road space
2. Safety Risks: Bigger vehicles have larger blind spots and pose increased risks to cyclists and pedestrians
3. Environmental Impact: Larger vehicles typically consume more resources and emit more pollution
4. Infrastructure Strain: Cities often modify infrastructure to accommodate larger vehicles, often at the expense of cycling and pedestrian facilities

The SUV Problem – Can Anything Be Done?

SUVs have become particularly problematic in urban environments.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), SUVs were the second-largest contributor to the increase in global carbon emissions between 2010 and 2018.

Several cities are taking action against carspreading, and there are ways we can help:

1. Support Size-Based Policies: Advocate for parking fees and road charges based on vehicle size
2. Promote Alternative Transport: Encourage the use of bikes, public transit, and appropriately-sized vehicles
3. Speak Up: Support local initiatives that prioritize space for active transportation
4. Join the Conversation: Engage with organizations like the Clean Cities Campaign and SUV Alliance that are working to address this issue

Read more: How Financial Incentives In Denver Are Getting More People on Bikes

The Way Forward

As cyclists, we have a unique perspective on how urban space should be used.

By understanding and speaking up about carspreading, we can help create cities that work better for everyone – not just oversized vehicles.

The solution isn’t about banning cars entirely, but rather about finding a better balance in our urban spaces.

This includes promoting right-sized vehicles and ensuring that our cities remain accessible and safe for all users, especially vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

 “Our cities face a double whammy of more cars and bigger cars. Carspreading doesn’t just affect parking, these supersized cars increase danger, congestion and pollution on our streets.

“City leaders must act now and stop carspreading before it’s too late. Even car owners want to see change.” Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities

Recently, residents of Paris voted to triple the cost of parking for the heaviest SUVs entering the city.

Can other cities follow this lead?

Let us know what you think in the comments!