Sandy Blvd as an example of complexity
The author reflects on the complexity of the intersection of SE Ankeny and Sandy Blvd in Portland, Oregon, which is a diagonal road cutting through a traditional street grid. While initially perceived as a poorly designed and difficult intersection, especially for cyclists, the author comes to understand that city planners did a commendable job given the inherent challenges. This situation is likened to dealing with complex legacy code in software development, where outdated architectural decisions can cause significant problems but are difficult to rectify due to interdependencies. The piece muses on whether the cost and inconvenience of removing such ingrained complexities, like Sandy Blvd, are ultimately worth the long-term benefits, acknowledging the political and practical impossibilities. AI
