The sustainable development of a town is mainly the management of public space. The streets of the city, unlike the roads out of town, are not only a transport network. This is public good with many features. The subject of research is the use of street space and defining the needs of its users. The following analysis of the subject discusses the status of the network of streets of Poznan, selected functions of the road, the dynamics of the needs of road users. The urban street is becoming increasingly a place for meetings, events. Expectations as to the status of aesthetics, technical features and equipment of roads are growing. In some areas some people are going to slow down traffic, and even close streets for vehicles, while at the same time there is an ongoing fight against traffic congestion. The increase in complexity of urban road functions tends to redefine the network of streets towards public space.