'motorist-friendly' originates from the combination of 'motorist,' referring to a person who drives a motor vehicle, and 'friendly,' meaning accommodating or helpful.

The term 'motorist' evolved from the word 'motor,' which comes from the Latin 'motus,' meaning 'motion.' 'Friendly' has Old English roots from 'freondlic,' meaning 'kind' or 'helpful.'

Initially, 'motorist-friendly' meant 'accommodating to drivers,' and this meaning has remained consistent.