Traffic congestion is something many experience regularly, and it’s easy to believe that with a few tweaks—more roads, better buses, or fewer cyclists—everything would improve.

However, traffic is a complex system, and popular solutions often don’t work as expected. Let’s explore seven widely believed ideas about traffic that don’t hold up under scrutiny.

1. More Roads Mean Less Congestion

Why the idea seems logical?:

At first glance, adding extra lanes or new roads seems like the perfect fix—more space should mean fewer cars per lane.

Why it doesn’t work as expected?:

Studies have shown that expanding road space tends to encourage more people to drive. Those who previously avoided rush hour due to heavy traffic often return to the roads, and others adjust their schedules, leading to renewed congestion. Ultimately, more roads tend to invite more traffic, not reduce it.

2. More Public Transportation Equals Fewer Traffic Jams

Common assumption:

With more trains and buses, fewer cars should be on the road.

The real outcome:

While enhanced public transit is beneficial for mobility and access, it doesn’t automatically lower congestion. As some switch to public transport, the roads may become temporarily less crowded—but this often invites new drivers to fill the space. Without measures that actively discourage car use, the benefits of improved transit systems may be short-lived.

3. Bicycle Lanes Make Car Traffic Worse

Why drivers may complain?:

When a car lane is narrowed or removed to add space for bicycles, it may feel like the road has become more congested.

What actually happens?:

In many cases, bike lanes can be integrated in a way that keeps the same number of lanes for vehicles. Narrower lanes can calm traffic and improve flow. Well-designed bicycle lanes also encourage short-distance commuters to choose alternatives to cars, helping reduce the number of vehicles overall.

4. Reducing a Small Number of Cars Doesn’t Make a Difference

The myth:

Some think that unless most cars are removed, traffic won't improve.

What research shows?:

Even a minor decrease in vehicle numbers can lead to significant improvements. Traffic is a nonlinear system—small changes can have large effects. In one study, a mere 1% drop in car usage resulted in an 18% improvement in travel times.

5. Wider Roads Are Always Safer

Why this sounds reasonable?:

More room means more comfort and space for drivers to react, right?

The surprising truth:

Wider roads can lead drivers to feel overly confident and drive faster. Higher speeds increase the chances of severe collisions and make conditions less safe for slower road users. Narrower lanes can naturally encourage more cautious and consistent driving, benefiting everyone on the road.

6. Bad Drivers Cause All the Traffic

The common blame:

People often say that traffic problems come from drivers who don’t know how to drive properly.

The actual cause:

Traffic delays are often triggered by small, everyday driving behaviors—braking too early, accelerating too slowly, or failing to keep a consistent distance. These minor actions accumulate and ripple through traffic, causing chain reactions. Technology like automated driving systems can help minimize these issues, improving overall flow.

7. The Other Lane Is Always Faster

Why drivers switch lanes?:

When stuck in traffic, the next lane always seems to move quicker.

The optical illusion:

Drivers often change lanes based on a false perception. Vehicles in faster lanes tend to have more space between them, giving the impression they’re moving quicker. Meanwhile, tighter traffic in slower lanes makes other cars appear to glide by faster. In reality, lane speeds are often very similar, and switching lanes frequently can disrupt flow and increase risk.

In Conclusion

Understanding the real dynamics of traffic helps create smarter, more livable cities for all. Instead of relying on surface-level fixes or quick assumptions, addressing congestion means managing how people choose to move through a city—whether by foot, bicycle, or vehicle.

A more informed perspective allows urban planners and citizens alike to make choices that lead to smoother, safer, and more balanced mobility. Lykkers, the road ahead is clearer when we all understand how it really works.