Comments on: Biking and Walking: Our Secret Weapon? http://citiwire.net/post/1125/ Leaving behind the 20th century pattern of cheap energy, endless automobility, burgeoning suburbs, threatened inner cities. To a challenge-packed 21st century: energy prices headed north, perilous carbon emissions, deepening have-have not divisions. But a time of exciting promise, too. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:47:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Glenn Purtell http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-712 Glenn Purtell Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:53:48 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-712 I bike everyday. The benefit is personal - mind, body and spirt elevation. There is no carbon footprint reduction to biking, hiking. We are a land, sea,air transport society and money for trails must be halted until we become realistic I bike everyday. The benefit is personal – mind, body and spirt elevation. There is no carbon footprint reduction to biking, hiking. We are a land, sea,air transport society and money for trails must be halted until we become realistic

]]> By: Roxanne Warren http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-704 Roxanne Warren Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:01:52 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-704 An excellent article. My only concern is that Rails to Trails will be implementing the program. I don't think we should be loosing precious rail rights-of-way for any purpose, even for trails, as once these are lost, the loss is usually permanent. rail networks need to be expanded, not shrunken. What we desparately need in this country is a COMBINATION of rails, walking and biking. An excellent article. My only concern is that Rails to Trails will be implementing the program. I don’t think we should be loosing precious rail rights-of-way for any purpose, even for trails, as once these are lost, the loss is usually permanent. rail networks need to be expanded, not shrunken. What we desparately need in this country is a COMBINATION of rails, walking and biking.

]]> By: Neal Peirce http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-703 Neal Peirce Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:05:34 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-703 A message from Michael Gregory, City Councilmember, District 1, City of San Leandro, CA: Outstanding piece. Our city has snapped out of it, adopted an unrestricted TOD strategy for our Downtown BART Station area. We received $24 million in CA state funds to move our surface parking across the street into a multi-level structure (read: dense) and build 100 units of affordable workforce housing. This is phase one of a station area master plan. We’re on a roll, literally – steel is going up on a number of projects; this while building has ceased most other places. I just bought a light weight commute bike so that folks see that I can do it while asking them to do same. If San Leandro can do this, anyone can. What’s next is getting our regional BRT (bus rapid transit) line up and running. What’s bizarre is what I call the ‘Bay Area Paradox:’ folks here are no less willing than elsewhere to relax their grip on the steering wheel even thought the area is affluent, educated and progressive. We’ll get it going but, geez, what a battle. A message from Michael Gregory, City Councilmember, District 1, City of San Leandro, CA:
Outstanding piece. Our city has snapped out of it, adopted an unrestricted TOD strategy for our Downtown BART Station area. We received $24 million in CA state funds to move our surface parking across the street into a multi-level structure (read: dense) and build 100 units of affordable workforce housing. This is phase one of a station area master plan. We’re on a roll, literally – steel is going up on a number of projects; this while building has ceased most other places. I just bought a light weight commute bike so that folks see that I can do it while asking them to do same. If San Leandro can do this, anyone can.

What’s next is getting our regional BRT (bus rapid transit) line up and running. What’s bizarre is what I call the ‘Bay Area Paradox:’ folks here are no less willing than elsewhere to relax their grip on the steering wheel even thought the area is affluent, educated and progressive. We’ll get it going but, geez, what a battle.

]]> By: Wayne Senville http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-694 Wayne Senville Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:35:14 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-694 Great to see this topic highlighted. Planners and local officials are increasingly recognizing the benefits of improved walking & biking facilities -- it's become an important "quality of life" issue, something more and more citizens are demanding. We've also covered Complete Streets & related issues in the Planning Commissioners Journal; there's a free download of transportation planner Hannah Twaddell's article, "Growing Safer: Improving Roadways for Everyone" at: http://www.plannersweb.com/280.pdf -- we've also published on our PlannersWeb site a short resource page on Complete Streets: http://pcj.typepad.com/planning_commissioners_jo/complete-streets-resources.html Great to see this topic highlighted. Planners and local officials are increasingly recognizing the benefits of improved walking & biking facilities — it’s become an important “quality of life” issue, something more and more citizens are demanding.

We’ve also covered Complete Streets & related issues in the Planning Commissioners Journal; there’s a free download of transportation planner Hannah Twaddell’s article, “Growing Safer: Improving Roadways for Everyone” at: http://www.plannersweb.com/280.pdf — we’ve also published on our PlannersWeb site a short resource page on Complete Streets: http://pcj.typepad.com/planning_commissioners_jo/complete-streets-resources.html

]]> By: Rodger James Sillars http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-684 Rodger James Sillars Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:16:32 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-684 The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) new president MR ALAIN FLAUSCH noted in his conference closing speech that all transportation "need always to give first priority for soft mobility modes namely walking and biking" If all transportation modes start at this point and focus there, a lot of development mistakes will be avoided and projects so based will be more successful. Now if we can just get everyone to start there!! The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) new president MR ALAIN FLAUSCH noted in his conference closing speech that all transportation “need always to give first priority for soft mobility modes namely walking and biking” If all transportation modes start at this point and focus there, a lot of development mistakes will be avoided and projects so based will be more successful. Now if we can just get everyone to start there!!

]]> By: Lois Moss http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-682 Lois Moss Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:33:44 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-682 When Congressman Boehner first made his anti-bikepath views known on "Meet The Press", numerous Ohioans called and faxed his office. An excert from our message is below: Apparently, the congressman believes urban sprawl is the answer. In his mind smog, pollution and asthma must be good things. In addition, he apparently: - Ignores the numerous studies documenting that the overwhelming majority of Americans favor more bike paths - Is ignorant of the obesity epidemic that causes diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and dozens of other chronic illnesses which are killing us and crippling our healthcare system - Does not understand that bicycling, walking and other non-automobile methods are valid transportation for people - Cares nothing about the 33% of Americans who do not drive due to age, personal circumstances, physical impairment or poverty - Is not aware of the significant economic benefit that walkable / bikeable neighborhoods create or that more people walking and biking foster safer, more vibrant communities - Fails to appreciate that the Cincinnati/Dayton area benefits from over 200 miles of multi-use paths that are shared by cyclists, walkers, joggers, families, seniors and others - Is unaware that two of the country’s Top 100 bicycle retailers are located in Cincinnati/Dayton - Does not know that the Cincinnati/Dayton area is home of Ohio’s two largest bicycle clubs and numerous walking groups - Does not care that the Ohio Bicycle Federation is headquartered in Dayton Whether you are a seasoned bicycle commuter who doesn’t use bike paths or an occasional rider who is intimidated by riding on streets, anyone who rides a bicycle or walks should take issue with his comments, the insulting tone in his voice and his anti-bicycle / anti-pedestrian stance. His stance endangers not just bike paths, but also other projects such as crosswalk improvements, better signage, new striping and sharrows, education programs, bicycle parking improvements and multi-use paths. When Congressman Boehner first made his anti-bikepath views known on “Meet The Press”, numerous Ohioans called and faxed his office. An excert from our message is below:

Apparently, the congressman believes urban sprawl is the answer. In his mind smog, pollution and asthma must be good things. In addition, he apparently:

- Ignores the numerous studies documenting that the overwhelming majority of Americans favor more bike paths

- Is ignorant of the obesity epidemic that causes diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and dozens of other chronic illnesses which are killing us and crippling our healthcare system

- Does not understand that bicycling, walking and other non-automobile methods are valid transportation for people

- Cares nothing about the 33% of Americans who do not drive due to age, personal circumstances, physical impairment or poverty

- Is not aware of the significant economic benefit that walkable / bikeable neighborhoods create or that more people walking and biking foster safer, more vibrant communities

- Fails to appreciate that the Cincinnati/Dayton area benefits from over 200 miles of multi-use paths that are shared by cyclists, walkers, joggers, families, seniors and others

- Is unaware that two of the country’s Top 100 bicycle retailers are located in Cincinnati/Dayton

- Does not know that the Cincinnati/Dayton area is home of Ohio’s two largest bicycle clubs and numerous walking groups

- Does not care that the Ohio Bicycle Federation is headquartered in Dayton

Whether you are a seasoned bicycle commuter who doesn’t use bike paths or an occasional rider who is intimidated by riding on streets, anyone who rides a bicycle or walks should take issue with his comments, the insulting tone in his voice and his anti-bicycle / anti-pedestrian stance. His stance endangers not just bike paths, but also other projects such as crosswalk improvements, better signage, new striping and sharrows, education programs, bicycle parking improvements and multi-use paths.

]]> By: ex-pat http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-680 ex-pat Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:46:39 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-680 Besides the physical health aspects, there are also huge mental health aspects to consider. The psychological damage from living a car based lifestyle, the associated social isolation, are interwoven with how much we eat as well. After having lived in Texas and Washington state for over a decade, I moved to Europe. While I missed the general friendliness and openness of Americans, what I didn't miss was the soul-destroying car based lifestyle where most of your life is spent in a metal box by yourself driving to various places. There is freedom in the wide open spaces of the United States, but there can also be a total lack of exercise (unless its the "gym") and profound social isolation. Living in a city or neighborhood that is walkable alleviates that. Even better, you get your exercise while running errands, going to to the store, etc. The social contacts you make during your walks/errands even if its just a nod hello or a quick chat give an additional sense of relief. Besides the physical health aspects, there are also huge mental health aspects to consider. The psychological damage from living a car based lifestyle, the associated social isolation, are interwoven with how much we eat as well. After having lived in Texas and Washington state for over a decade, I moved to Europe. While I missed the general friendliness and openness of Americans, what I didn’t miss was the soul-destroying car based lifestyle where most of your life is spent in a metal box by yourself driving to various places. There is freedom in the wide open spaces of the United States, but there can also be a total lack of exercise (unless its the “gym”) and profound social isolation. Living in a city or neighborhood that is walkable alleviates that. Even better, you get your exercise while running errands, going to to the store, etc. The social contacts you make during your walks/errands even if its just a nod hello or a quick chat give an additional sense of relief.

]]> By: Peter Harnik http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-677 Peter Harnik Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:04:23 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-677 Another great analysis, Neal. You've made a compelling case for the fact that sidewalks, trails and bike paths are very much of national significance and national interest. Congress needs to recognize that when it comes to spending money on highways, only a single letter separates the words "faster" and "fatter." Another great analysis, Neal. You’ve made a compelling case for the fact that sidewalks, trails and bike paths are very much of national significance and national interest. Congress needs to recognize that when it comes to spending money on highways, only a single letter separates the words “faster” and “fatter.”

]]> By: Stephen Coyle http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-671 Stephen Coyle Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:36:33 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-671 How about rails to restored or new train service? I’ve seen enough trails that ripped up miles of old track where trains could have been reintroduced. Portland also has a robust streetcar system that includes a system that runs on old rail tracks from Portland to Lake Oswego. We need all possible existing rail links that still connect the places we intend for survival. Put the trails money into better sidewalks and pedestrian ROW. Stephen Coyle, AIA, LEED AP How about rails to restored or new train service? I’ve seen enough trails that ripped up miles of old track where trains could have been reintroduced. Portland also has a robust streetcar system that includes a system that runs on old rail tracks from Portland to Lake Oswego. We need all possible existing rail links that still connect the places we intend for survival. Put the trails money into better sidewalks and pedestrian ROW.
Stephen Coyle, AIA, LEED AP

]]> By: Sean Hayford-O'Leary http://citiwire.net/post/1125/comment-page-1/#comment-670 Sean Hayford-O'Leary Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:46:20 +0000 http://citiwire.net/?p=1125#comment-670 <blockquote>"What would that mean? A quick answer: Walking and biking accepted as legitimate, viable and healthy transportation modes, worthy of priority, not last-and-maybe federal support."</blockquote> I think these are the two most striking and important sentences of this article. Recreational walking and cycling are fine, and theoretically they could provide the same exercise benefits as walking and cycling for transportation. But they certainly don't hit the other benefits: reducing gas emissions, reducing need for space-consuming auto-parking, and increasing the closeness of community. Peirce does a great job showing that this must not be a novelty anymore, though I do worry that even the successful examples he cites are somewhat novelties themselves. Certainly not every city will have the resources of Portland, but I think it is possible for every street in every city in the country to have made some accommodation for nonmotorized uses. Ideally, that would look like safe, accessible sidewalks on all streets and bike lanes on busy streets, but it could be as simple as inexpensive as a low speed limits, encouraging the different transportation modes to mix safely. On the issue of federal funding for some of these improvements, I still have slide 17 from <a href="http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/#slideshow" rel="nofollow">this slideshow</a> burned into my head from months ago when I first watched it. The 10% of trips made by bicycle and walking receive only 1% of federal funding. There's just no getting around how imbalanced that is. Sean Hayford O'Leary Northfield Area Task Force on Nonmotorized Transportation Northfield, Minn.

“What would that mean? A quick answer: Walking and biking accepted as legitimate, viable and healthy transportation modes, worthy of priority, not last-and-maybe federal support.”

I think these are the two most striking and important sentences of this article. Recreational walking and cycling are fine, and theoretically they could provide the same exercise benefits as walking and cycling for transportation. But they certainly don’t hit the other benefits: reducing gas emissions, reducing need for space-consuming auto-parking, and increasing the closeness of community.

Peirce does a great job showing that this must not be a novelty anymore, though I do worry that even the successful examples he cites are somewhat novelties themselves. Certainly not every city will have the resources of Portland, but I think it is possible for every street in every city in the country to have made some accommodation for nonmotorized uses. Ideally, that would look like safe, accessible sidewalks on all streets and bike lanes on busy streets, but it could be as simple as inexpensive as a low speed limits, encouraging the different transportation modes to mix safely.

On the issue of federal funding for some of these improvements, I still have slide 17 from this slideshow burned into my head from months ago when I first watched it. The 10% of trips made by bicycle and walking receive only 1% of federal funding. There’s just no getting around how imbalanced that is.

Sean Hayford O’Leary
Northfield Area Task Force on Nonmotorized Transportation
Northfield, Minn.

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