Am I Anti-Car?

I have had this thrown at me several times on a number of threads at Columbus Underground. At times I am accused of pushing some anti-car agenda, a rather unfair criticism in my humble opinion. So what do I want here, in Columbus, and on a national scale? Where do I fall on the bicycle and car debate?

• First and foremost, there needs to be major shift in our collective thinking on transportation and infrastructure, on growth and development. An auto-centric set of policies does no one any good. Cities suffer as they grow out and not up, spreading what little resources there are in a good year (let alone a looming recession) too thin. It can affect crucial city services, such as fire and emergency, when gridded street patterns become the exception to the rule. Segments of our population, many living at, below or just above the poverty level, have few options in connecting to better employment, healthcare and education. A missed bus to some is a shrug of the shoulders, to others it is the loss of a steady paycheck and meager benefits.           

• As part of this shift we need to recognize that no one option is right or perfect for anyone else. Transportation policies should have a semblance of equality, based on a cities particular needs. Car, bus and bike might work for Mansfield or Canton, but it ignores the realities of Columbus. Above all, no one means of transportation should be regarded as superior-they all play a role in our community. What is important is that an individual can make the best choice possible given their circumstances-not having those choices determined by a COTA board member who feels our freeways constitute a rapid transit system.

•   I recognize that cars will still have a role to play for a number of years. My intention is not to change by force, but rather see that we look at a variety of alternatives, each offering their own strengths and weaknesses. I want each person to make the choice for themselves and have the tools for it.   

• By no means am I attempting to push an agenda here or in any of my other writings or comments. With this blog, I hope to be a source of inspiration to others, a source of information and an advocate for a minority here in Columbus. I keep a pretty open mind and have stated numerous times that I am willing to make concessions if it means a better overall infrastructure.   

I'm happy to discuss with anyone these issues and others. If you want to grab your bike, I'm even up for some weekend or afternoon rides between work.