Transportation

The Rosland Chapter was a great summary of what I read in the sustainable reader:

From, "Transit and the Metropolis: Finding Harmony", I really found it interesting just how many different types of transits there are. Personally, the only mass transit that I have ever ridden and actually enjoyed was the metro in D.C.. But, apparently there are only 12 metros like this in North America. Furthermore, the world bank is hindering the development of these types of transits. I have ridden the bus in Bloomington, and I have to admit -- I hate it!! I feel so vulnerable, crowded, uncomfortable, worried.... I would rather walk a half-hour or bike 10 min to class than ride one of those buses! I think that the system needs to address issues, like those I listed above, in order to coax more people into using the system. The reason I enjoyed the D.C. metro so much was because I felt more secure in it than I did walking around town or trying to drive. The metro system there is also very accepted. I feel like everybody was using the transit.

If you can't get people on the transit system, then encouraging them to get out of the car and walk is another possibility. The essay "Traffic Calming", describes ways to get people to set aside there fast paced modes of transportation and enjoy their town. I think Bloomington streets, especially streets like Kirkwood, are good examples of what this essay is trying to describe. Pedestrians definitely outnumber the cars on that street. I love the atmosphere and energy of Kirkwood. The lack of parking and the closeness and variety of shops really help to encourage people to walk.

I am was very happy to read some of the ideas in "Bicycling Renaissance in North America".  As I have mentioned in a few of my older posts. I use biking as a means of transportation for everything! Getting to school, work, friends houses, errands. I went to pick up a pizza on my bike last week and had a whole lot of fun trying to get down North Walnut balancing a pizza and trying not to speed out of control! It's do-able and it makes things a whole lot more fun! I like biking for the fitness aspect, like the article states. When I first started biking in Bloomington, it took me 15 min to get to class because I tired out so fast over the hills -- I can now do it in 10 min!! It's great! I drive my car only once a week out of town for my weekly horseback riding lesson -- that's it!  Despite all of these benefits, I do agree with the author that motorists need to be more accepting of bicyclists. I have almost been hit no less than three times by motorists who simply don't seem to register that I am there. Furthermore, bicycling does have a lot of cardiovascular benefits, however, I almost suffocate everyday behind cars that emit lots of smelly gases from their tail pipes! Why is there no emissions check in Indiana????