2022-07-20


            DO WE REALLY WANT TO BE A CAR-DEPENDENT SOCIETY?

                             Steven Peguero


I don't think most Americans consciously understand why they love
vacationing in structurally dense places such as Boston or other popular
destinations within New England that predate cars. It's the walkable,
vibrant, human-scaled streets and neighborhoods that they feature, where
one can accomplish errands and delve into surrounding culture, community
and entertainment on foot, or via bicycle or transit. Some of these
points apply to Walt Disney World as well, particularly the Magic
Kingdom, which, in my opinion, is not a coincidence.

Compare this with the living situation within much of the United States
today, where I must concern myself with driving for even the smallest of
errands; the stress of other motorists and exercising defensive driving
practices in response to them; poorly-designed, collision-prone
thoroughfares; higher risk of injury or death; gas prices and
availability; maintenance; inspections; insurance; and availability of
parking.

This is not to say that I wish to abolish cars altogether, as it would
be dishonest to claim that they are without redeeming qualities.
However, I wish not to be a slave to my car and instead have
alternative, but practical, ways of getting around. This begins by
rescinding stringent municipal laws that mandate car-promoting policies
such as single-family zoning, setbacks and parking minimums, and
enacting pedestrian-first laws that enable policies such as multi-use
zoning, the installation of road-separated bicycle lanes, and the
narrowing of thoroughfares. Consider watching Not Just Bikes[0] on
YouTube for a detailed explanation behind this idea.

Considering these points, do most Americans truly wish to be totally
dependent upon cars for even the simplest of tasks and leisures? Some of
their vacation destinations have me believing otherwise.

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[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_SXXTBypIg