What is suburban sprawl associated with?

Suburban sprawl is characterized by the spread of urban developments into suburban or rural areas, often leading to low-density, automobile-dependent communities. This pattern of development is typically associated with an increase in traffic congestion. As individuals move further away from urban centers to suburban areas for housing, they tend to rely more heavily on personal vehicles for commuting to work, school, and other activities. This reliance on cars means that the distances traveled often increase, contributing to higher traffic volumes and congestion on roadways.

In contrast, developments that prioritize walkability or have integrated public transport tend to experience less congestion because they can facilitate easier movement between populated areas. Therefore, recognizing the direct link between suburban sprawl and traffic congestion is essential in understanding the impacts of urban development patterns on mobility in metropolitan regions.