MyWHaT

High-speed rail in the United States?

The week’s chatter:

• Teen drivers? declining numbers particularly when given options
• U.S. Mobility declines, NYTimes asks why (community building increases?)
  
• In defence of cul-de-sacs, with a redesign
• Still, Suburbs have transit challenges
• MI Senate ixnays texting-while-driving but limit it to a secondary offense=dumb
• Record Eagle compare’s it to seat-belt law

• No, gas tax hasn’t risen & isn’t high
• New Jersey gets tough at crosswalks
• I want a transportation manifesto!
• I also wanted a bus-pass-dang. BATA Survey winners announced

• China re-learning: 車不如自行! (The car is no match for the bike!–chē bùrú zìxíng)
• Philly BLOG discusses boost to business for bikability & gardens
• And look! This Sunday in Traverse City, Community Garden guru to speak
  
• Parking garages continue to rise (annualized cost–$2,300 per space)

But really, it’s the week of public transportation.

• Hey US Senators!!! Public Transport = Jobs (send a message)
• The Big-O understands that equation as ‘game changer’ announced & VP Biden’s smile gets even bigger
  

Grants announced for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act High-Speed and Inter-city Passenger Rail (PDF) stimulus and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood calls it “an absolute game-changer for American transportation. We will make passenger rail more efficient, providing better service in travel markets across the country.“

Image courtesy of DOT, via The Infrastructurist

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What else?

Well, at least that’s the current & future impression ….

Less than a year after passing a new infrastructure policy strategy (PDF) that includes using a complete street approach, the planned 2010 Eighth Street Reconstruction, running from Barlow to Garfield, includes no design elements for bicycle use or improved pedestrian access/crossings.

Ouch! That’s embarrassing. And, unfortunate.

Myself and others have asked city staff and commissioners about potential last-minute options as ground will be broke in the spring. I’ve yet to hear back from anyone with any positive developments. As new information is available, I’ll let readers know.

I have a feeling that the city may need some encouragement & support from residents to help them satisfy their own policy. It would be a shame for a small section of Eighth Street to stay an incomplete street for the next 20-30 years, which is about the cycle of major reconstructions.

Stay tuned…

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