[WardFive] Learning/planning from the past mistakes, not just identifying issues.

Good Morning Everyone,

 

Jeff, as I read the article http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/node/83796utm_source=scc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&inf_contact_key=e57e42b567653700fd6eb0a416db573a4c4ca7dda2ac5076019e91803b1314ea
that you put forth regarding walkable and ridable society, this particular sentence caught my attention - "We soon simply (and wrongly) assumed that everyone could and should drive to do most anything, and built our suburbs accordingly, guaranteeing that the trend would perpetuate".

 

The reality is that sooner or later, (unless there is a moratorium on sex) these folks are going to want to get married or even stay single but have planned or unplanned kids - that is unless if they are Gay - and even our Gay members of our community are adopting children.  They are going to want to do more than walk down to the arcade or karate center.  They will need a car to take kids back and forth to do lots of various things.  So the issue that is addressed in that article about flawed planning then is going to be inversed issue later -- ask any parent - and renting a "togo" car is not the answer and does not eliminate them as a business.  Another drawback for some and plus for others is that housing stock will continue to appreciate in the "suburban" areas of our City.  More and more of folks will be priced out. So while parking may not be important now for those moving into those condos near metro, there will come a time that many folks will evolve into car ownership - even when joining two households to one - couples.

 

And by the way, building condos or apartments with limited parking is a "redlining" approach to target the type of residents that one is looking for. It is prejucial as well as allows Developers to not pay the extra cost in building parking - thus lining their pockets.  I am not sure (if anyone is) who is influencing the publications of the "carless" trend, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is some behind the scenes working as well.  In addition, building places without ample parking for residents forces those residents to park on the street if they can't afford a parking space (which is now being sold at a premium).  I suggest that Tregoining and the rest of these "Planners" take their head out of "books" and stop reading so much and use some basic common sense.   

 

Which brings up another thought - schools.  Giving away or selling our schools off shows shortsightedness.  Unless we are planning to be like China and not allow more than 1 child, the population of our City is growing and schools will have increasing attendees as the numbers have already began to show. We should be securing our real estate for the use of our future generations.

 

Which brings up another thought - Do we have enough athletic fields that encourage intermural sports.  If you go to places likeTexas and Connecticut, their kids and many of their adults are heavily involved in sports outside of school. This promotes a green/healthy lifestyle and would assist with the Obesity issues that we are having. Banning Sodas and/or taxing them are for those with short visions.  Kids will get their sugar from candy, hostess, etc.  They need facilities to have planned activities.

 

As to Bicyclists:

 

The reality is that sooner or later, these same folks who are perpetuating this "walking/riding" lifestyle, are going to have children.  The problem with our leaders downtown is that they don't look at long term things. They think that they are but they are not.   While they may be parachuting under a "greener" society, they still need to be realistic.  Bikes being on a road on a side of a car is dangerous no matter how many "lanes" you draw.  Making it legal for folks to ride on a sidewalk, particularly in higher traffic/congested walking areas is conducive to pedestrian/byclist accident which could end up in altercations.  Someone almost hit my daughter on the sidewalk on 12th Street.  Often times, byclists have a privileged way of riding on that sidewalk and someone is going to be embarassed one day. 

 

You shouldn't put bike lanes on busy streets.  There are tons of neighborhood streets that they can ride on if they want to ride for exercise or just to be "green" or fashionable.  The reality is that the city has a 25 mph speed limit in many places.  Folks should ride in the street where people can really see them.  Mr. Peloquin's frustration is that they are very small objects that can almost always be missed in the blindspot as they are zipping or just slowly riding adjacent to a vehicle.  The reality is that when hit by accidental, a helmet is not enough protection from 3 or 4 tons of vehicle in motion.  Furthermore, bikes should have to pay a registration fee, have insurance, have tags for identification purposes and monitored for running stop signs and for speed.  There should be a speed limit on them as they are difficult to see and are very dangerous when moving fast.

 

I have no issue with bikes or folks walking.  I do have issues with people not being inclusive in planning because they have agendas that are "fashionable", "trendy" or agenda induced.  Personally, I am a very aware and skillful driver and I have come close to hitting bikes before as they suddenly appear out of nowhere.  Sometimes, just opening your car door is hazardous. 

 

Our Govt. Leaders should really start looking into being more realistic with their approach.  They are all smart - I don't know what the hold up is.  Maybe, if they don't have "outside" employment and are fully focused on our CITY'S NEEDS, they might be able to see more clearly.  Not everything is "metro", bike, bus, trolley accessible.

 

At the end of the day, I still enjoy driving as I have to most times for work or visiting family, friends, etc.

Rob Ramson
3744 12th Street, N.E.,
Washington D.C., 20017
202-438-5988

"We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
(Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)




 

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