Designing Cities that Support Mothers

By Betsy Logan, AICP

Mother’s Day, it is an ideal moment to reflect on how urban design can better support mothers and caregivers who navigate cities every day.

Urban environments have long been shaped around traditional gender roles, typically by men – for men. However, women and gender-diverse people navigate cities differently. Recognizing these disparities helps planners create environments that work for mothers year-round.

Mothers, and women in general, perform more unpaid care work including school drop-offs, errands, and medical appointments, while also relying heavily on public transit. A single commute may involve multiple stops, making car-centric systems inefficient for daily life.

Public spaces show similar gaps. Playgrounds cater to children but can overlook the comfort and safety of the adults supervising them. Safety in general for women is also an issue in public spaces with 77% of women in the US report experiencing some form of street harassment.

Designing cities with mothers in mind includes elements such as adequate lighting, clear sightlines, active ground floors, safe and accessible transit stops, diverse seating, and equitable restroom access.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, the most important step is ensuring mothers, women, and gender-diverse individuals have a seat at the table. Engagement must consider childcare needs, work schedules, and transportation barriers to ensure all voices have the opportunity to shape their environment.