Right-of-Way (ReROW) is a trans-disciplinary research group at UBC, partnered with Mobility Foresight, motivated by transformation of public streets around three themes:

• Mobility & Place
• Energy & Environment
• Health & Well-being

ReROW recognizes that a transformation is needed to address the conflicting priorities in the right-of-way (ROW) and to realign it with community aspirations and sustainability needs. We are focused on innovation in the design and management of streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other public spaces that lead to better social, health, and sustainable outcomes. 

We aim to be a research leader in complex systems converging in ROW, a model for university partnerships, and innovator in graduate education.

ReROW is funded by UBC Research Excellence Clusters Initiative 2023/2024.

What is the ROW- Right-of-Way?

The ROW is the public space from one property line to another. 

The ROW often includes mobility of people of goods, spaces for utilities, ecosystems services as well as social, economic, and civic users.

Why the ROW?

There is a critical need to reconsider the design, use, and management of the public rights-of-way (ROW) (e.g., streets, laneways, sidewalks) toward more sustainable, equitable, and healthy forms. 

Streets provide the connective tissue for cities – mobility and access; distributing goods and utilities; and supporting ecosystem services. Streets are also social places – a locus of human interaction and activity that reflect culture and values. As the confluence of these various interacting urban systems, they are a vital element to consider in our efforts to combat climate change, create a more just and inclusive society, and foster thriving urban life. But despite consuming as much as 30% of urban land, the ROW is experiencing increasing competition for space, conflicts among uses and users, and discord in the various goals for the space.

Interested in learning more about ReROW?

Kelly Clifton
Professor & J. Armand Bombardier Chair in Regional Transportation Planning
ReROW Lead
kelly.clifton@ubc.ca

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