Ralph talked about parts of neighborhoods that have smaller roads designated for bikers first, cars second. This would definitely encourage more bike riding in that particular area but I do not think that is a good way to promote sustainable transport overall. Bicycling cannot replace cars in today's society because of the distances travelled. Personally, I wouldn't even want something like that in my own neighborhood. Being in a car having to yield to bikers on a narrow road would be frustrating if you're just trying to go a few blocks to get back home. Sustainable transport isn't just about improving the environment, it's also about efficiency.
One idea that was mentioned that definitely needs to be implemented everywhere is the cost of subway/metro riding lowering the more frequently the customer uses the service. Cheap bus and subway prices would definitely decrease car congestion in cities. That is one of the easiest changes to implement within the next couple months. For now, green technology keeps developing and won't be mainstream in cities until the initial cost is cheaper than it currently is. We need to make changes starting with things such as the subway prices that will affect all city dwellers positively and also clean up the smog created by mass amounts of cars on the roads.
This is something that definitely needs to be changed
In opposition to your post, I think that biking, walking, and public transport is a smarter and more beneficial plan of transport. Living in America we think that it wouldn't work because we're not used to it, however even traveling longer distances, we could have more public transport as opposed to individual cars. Cars, and planes could still be available for long-range travel, but we could have built our transportation system differently. Also, a society built for bikers and pedestrians, is more aesthetically pleasing.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Gordon
In further opposition of your point, and in agreement with Rachel, he made a point to stress that integrated transportation was what lowered the cost of buses/ metro systems. We need a model city in America, which American's get jealous of. It seems like jealousy/ causing positive reactions because of harmful events are the best way to prompt change in American society. Accordingly, I really like the website you posted. It was cool :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I was born and raised in San Francisco, which is one of America's large cities, and I honestly believe that urban planners and designers set the tone, mood and functions of a city.
ReplyDelete- Anani Mohamed
Good comments and follow-up by Rachel and Eric.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting point about airplanes and boats having solar panels. Wouldn't this be very expensive, though? That would be great to see airplanes/boats having solar panels.
ReplyDeletegreen transportation is very good, it can reduce the carbon dioxide emission, but i think airplanes with solar panels would be very expensive. --Bin Han
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Americans is that we have an opinion, and it's almost impossible to change once our mind is set. We want fast and convenient, and are wiling to look past the consequences that sometimes come with that. We can't look at changing our transportation as a nuisance, we need to look at it as innovative, and for the better. IF Americans can ever move beyond our current mind set, sustainable transportation can be achieved.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Gordon
Agreed. The change to green transportation choices will require Americans to shift their current paradigms on their transportation requirements. People can begin by thinking about making small changes like combining errands, biking, and walking when opportunities present themselves. People talk about this as gas prices fluctuate, but little action takes place as we have become dependent on our vehicles -- clearly, because as gas price s rise and people grumble, we still pay at the pump. We might fuss, but we pay.
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