I just want a robust cycling and public transportation infrastructure.
I want zoning reform for the higher density necessary to make those things viable.
(It also would vastly reduce the amount of concrete needed per capita, reducing CO2 emissions from its manufacture, and would also reduce HVAC energy use because multifamily buildings with shared walls are more efficient than single-family homes with all 6 sides exposed to the environment.)
(Frankly, it’s amazing how many initially seemingly unrelated problems really boil down to bad zoning, once you follow the line of causation.)
I agree on the zoning reform. Never really paid much attention to it, or cared about it, until I started hanging around people pushing for bike infrastructure projects.
Are you saying you don’t also want the 6 things they talk about on the article? The point is there’s is broad public support for a range of good policies, so let’s try to aggressively do those things. We can also work on other, harder things.
I’m a bike commuter and a strong towns type too, but despite this basket of policies being beneficial to everyone, it’s like a prisoners dilemma of inaction. The chicken and egg game of removing parking and building transit is just exhausting and unfortunately doesn’t poll well because most people can’t think long term (or even medium term).
That’s exactly what they’re doing. It’s a common strategy reflect redirect and misdirect. What’s the easiest way to stop climate positive initiatives? Cause disunity and fragmentation among those that support climate initiatives.
As bike commuter who’s been run over and knows numerous people hit/killed by drivers, I stand by what I said. It’s not that I don’t want the other things, this is just something I’m deeply passionate about.
I respect that (and am also very passionate about this topic too). I was nearly hooked just yesterday while in our new “protected bike lane” by some asswipe in an SUV and fortunately braked hard early because of a weird feeling I had about them when I glanced over. I was just loosely trying to stay on topic here. Stay safe friend.
I feel like at the very least public transportation should be brought up in the conversations. I get why it doesn’t poll well as a lot of people just associate it with criminals and homeless people, or at least what people have expressed to me about it. But definitely stay safe on the road!
