For more than a century, this nation built infrastructure to accommodate one dominant technology — motor vehicles. Roads, highways, bridges, ramps, parking lots, driveways and garages were all built to accommodate the all-mighty car (and truck, SUV, minivan, crossover, etc.).

Today we are bound and burdened by this infrastructure, which serves its purpose well, but is limiting. Our roads, bridges and highways rarely play nice with other forms of transportation, which are often unwelcome or unsafe on the traditional transportation infrastructure.

Not surprisingly, technology continues to advance. In the 21st century, we have new thinking (maybe two billion fossil-fuel-burning motor vehicles isn’t awesome for Earth), and we have new transportation options (like e-bikes, scooters, ride-share apps, etc.).

Fitting the new into the old is seldom easy, but it is increasingly necessary. In every community, we are seeing the growing pains of this conflict. Roads are clogged. Bridges are crumbling. Parking spaces are too small. Children are zipping throughout town on too-fast devices. Sidewalks are too scarce. The environment is suffering.

Unfortunately, changing the old infrastructure is not easy, and it is costly, but it must happen whenever possible. In every roadway makeover, every new development plan and every safety study, leaders and engineers must be thinking about how they can make our infrastructure better for everyone — and every method of transportation.

This is why it’s encouraging to see the new design of a roadway connecting Barrington and Riverside. Formerly a two-way, four-lane stretch, with residences on one side and commercial plazas on the other, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new design has two lanes for motor vehicles, and two lanes for bikes. This is the same stretch where an elderly man was struck and killed while trying to cross the road not long ago.

While DOT has done a poor job of promoting and explaining the new design, the idea behind it makes sense. It will be a safer, calmer, more welcoming system for all modes of transportation.

It’s also worth noting a great event happening this weekend in Portsmouth. As outlined in an article in this week’s paper, there will be a “Bike & Stroll” on Saturday morning in the Island Park and Common Fence areas of town. With all cars banned for a few hours, expect up to 1,000 bicyclists, plus walkers, joggers and families with strollers, to enjoy a few hours of peace and tranquility in a beautiful stretch of waterfront vistas.

The spirit behind both of these initiatives is most needed as we continue to plan, build and grow into the 21st century.