The Future of Transportation Involves Rethinking the Design of Our Cities
2GreenEnergy mega-supporter Gary Tulie sent me something that, coincidentally, I had just received from another close colleague (Dr. Tom Konrad, whom I interviewed for my second book—“Is Renewable Really Doable?”). It’s an article that supports by belief that the future of transportation in our civilization, assuming that we still have one in a few decades, is rooted in a new paradigm: building cities around the needs of the people living and visiting there who a) wish to stay fit and healthy, b) act as effective environmental stewards, and c) enjoy being in the presence of one another.
Above and below are illustrations of what Barcelona, Spain has done in this capacity. Pretty impressive stuff, IMO.
It is difficult to implement some of the suggestions in cities which already exist. However, I’ve seen changes made similar to the grid with the green streets.
I lived in Minneapolis from 1957 to 1978. Towards the end of that time, an effort was made to reduce traffic on residential streets. That was done by erecting barriers so that cars could not go through. Instead, upon encountering a barrier, they had to turn. There are tradeoffs, but apparently most people liked it.
Craig,
I agree with Frank, what works in one city may not work in others.
Creating malls and restricting traffic in some cities has been counter-productive. By night those sections become sleazy dangerous areas, and decrease urban renewable. In other cities they become vibrant area’s promoting urban residency and adding to the urban renewal.
It needs to be carefully planned and implemented.