Compared to modern times, the usage and maintenance of early modern streets (16th – 18th centuries) depended highly on the physical strength of humans and, if necessary, animals. This article examines these bodily dependencies, emphasizing in particular 1.) the vulnerability of road use and 2.) the fragility of an only partially built transport infrastructure that was made of stone and wood at best, and was therefore vulnerable to deterioration due to usage, weather and further environmental circumstances. The uncertainties and discontinuities of street use caused by, for instance, accidents with carts, robberies or environmental disasters, challenged users as well as rulers, and affected both the streets inside and outside the city walls. Drawing on empirical evidence from Nuremberg and English cities for comparison, this contribution seeks to explain the extent to which rulership failed or succeeded in ensuring safety, cleanliness and order on premodern streets.