Reasons for Urbanization
- People move to cities in search of job opportunities
- Cities offer greater employment possibilities and a higher standard of living
- People migrate to cities from the countryside
- Traditional activities like farming need fewer workers nowadays
Negatives of City Life
- Life in cities has its drawbacks
- The cost of living is higher than in rural areas
- Some people do not manage to find work
- Housing is usually much more expensive
- Homelessness and poverty are common on cities
- There is a gap between rich and poor
- Life in cities can be extremely stressful
- There are problems like traffic congestion or traffic jams and crime
- Cities lack a sense of community
- People do not even know their neighbor(s)
- Cities are sometimes described as “concrete jungles”.
Pedestrian Areas
- Pedestrian zones in city centre can improve the local environment
- Banning cars encourages people to walk or cycle
- Many European cities have built bicycle lanes
- Dependence on cars is linked to health problems like obesity
- People who walk or cycle regularly are generally healthier
- Pedestrian areas are safer and more attractive for both residents and tourists
