PDA

View Full Version : Report: Big cities key to Canada's future; need to promote a shift away from cars




patc
02-07-07, 11:23 AM
Gee, most of us here on Living Car-Free could have told them this!

Cities need affordable housing, transit and infrastructure
Use "carrot and stick" approach to promote a shift from cars to public transit

CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/02/06/confboard-cities.html)
Dahon.Steve
02-07-07, 09:05 PM
It's a good article.

We're starting to see that in some areas as cities in the US are experiencing a "Rebirth" because the burbs have run out of room. In the New York Metro, there are massive developments being constructed all over but it's getting real pricy. But you can't move out to the burbs because prices of new or old homes are out of this world!
patc
02-08-07, 10:47 AM
We're starting to see that in some areas as cities in the US are experiencing a "Rebirth" because the burbs have run out of room. In the New York Metro, there are massive developments being constructed all over but it's getting real pricy. But you can't move out to the burbs because prices of new or old homes are out of this world!

The Ottawa urban core has been in a slow rebirth for decades, but that rebirth has been hampered by outdated zoning and poorly-designed public transit (our system was designed when traffic flowed very differently). The big issue with this article is the talk of funding - not sure where that is expected to come from, but it certainly won't come from the Conservatives currently at the federal helm!
ryanz4
02-08-07, 12:03 PM
patc, have you biked in Montreal? From what I've seen and heard, they have a great setup with bike pathways that are separate from cars. Would love to go one day, so I'm just curious.
patc
02-08-07, 10:43 PM
patc, have you biked in Montreal? From what I've seen and heard, they have a great setup with bike pathways that are separate from cars. Would love to go one day, so I'm just curious.

No, I haven't. My Montreal experience is limited to downtown, where being a pedestrian is reminiscent of the old game Frogger. I'd rather leave the bike at home, thanks.

I'm honestly not a big believer in completely separate bike pathways. I usually take the shortest route from point A to B, particularly at this time of year. Google turned up a map of Montreal's bike trails. (http://www.mcgill.ca/files/rethink/rvm-montreal.pdf). Seems to follow the waterways, and looks completely useless for daily commuting, shopping, etc.

I haven't found a maop shopwing bike lanes, side-paths, etc.