Archive
One Action Item, The Power Of Green, Calling For Tweed…(The Weekly Chatter)
ACTION ALERT (via Partner Mi Complete Streets): We need a strong showing to impact this current attempt to weaken state-wide progress on transit and complete streets. Contact your State Rep. (Michigan) and ask them to do everything within their power to pass a transportation budget that reflects your values and needs.
James Bruckbauer, transportation specialist at MLUI, has an excellent recap of the latest events that are being championed by a west Michigan representative intent on de-funding public transit and active transportation. James argues that this latest attack is the last thing we need in a struggling economy. James writes:
Instead of recognizing transit agencies around the state for their improved coordination, increased ridership, and overall better service, the proposals would actually punish those agencies. And, with gasoline now hovering at $4 per gallon, it would also punish many vulnerable families by reducing their access to flexible and affordable transportation options at a time when they need it more than ever to get to work, school, doctors appointments, and more.”
Please take a moment to send a short message.
The Weekly Chatter
Can you help me rename the weekly chatter? The name is tired.
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- Sheep used for mowing (onlineAthens)…Yes! more please.
- Green colored pavement for bike lanes? MUTCD ‘interim’ approval. (Bike Portland)
Get out the paint! Photo by neighborhoods —> —>
- Busting the myth of free parking (CATO)
- Economic Hard times? Great time to invest in public parks (Rec. Management) ”We firmly believe that resources follow aspiration.“ Grand Traverse County would do well to listen. (R. Eagle)
- Want a budget solution? Stop building sprawl. (Urbanophile)
Motorized
“What would the American economy have looked like without a massive government investment in highways?…absent a highway boom something would have been built and markets would have optimised to that something.” –like, vibrant, walkable cities.
- A lot of roads + a lots of cars = a lot of Potholes and a lot of expen$e. (minnpost)
- Time to re-consider safety & The Car: If we cared about children we would. (Strong Towns)
“The best thing we can do for the safety of our children is to get them out of the car by building mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods. Even with car seats, auto accidents are the leading cause of death amongst children over two years old.“
Twitterville
- RT (@YuriArtibise) More urban pedestrians are killed while legally crossing in crosswalks than while jaywalking.
- RT (@YuriArtibise) Why do we expect better design from our phones than our #cities?
- RT (@walkonomics) Riding in a car is much more dangerous than walking… And of course the most dangerous thing about walking is cars.
- RT (Maddz4planning) For people who can be car free by choice, power to you. But for low-income families, having a car provides a lot of opportunities.
- RT (jamesschwartz) Can’t say I really feel any sympathy for any of the 4,437 comments from Americans complaining about gas prices
To Wrap
A Tweed Ride comes to Traverse City! When? 4pm, May 21st. What is a Tweed Ride? A fun, leisurely group ride of people dressed in their best looking tweed. They are not required, but classic vintage bicycles really help the show. Typically, libations follow the parade. Follow Tweed Ride TC at its Tumblr page, on Facebook and Twitter.
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Resilience + Inclusiveness + Authenticity = A Lovable City
Graphic Friday
What makes a great lovable city, however small or large? The brain trust at The Phillips Center for Health and Well-Being has narrowed the formula to three elements:
Resilience • Inclusiveness • Authenticity
The work of the center, like with most that look at urban issues, is focused on our largest cities. That doesn’t mean the lessons aren’t adaptability to micro-urban centers like Traverse City. In fact, I think our size just makes it easier to carry out great ideas. The graphic below is an entry into the center’s resources. I’d actually like to mimic this with a graphic of Traverse City…hmmm.
For more discussion on the project, you can go to Switchboard: Natural Resource Defense Council staff blog where the above poster was found.
What about your community?
- What makes it resilient?
- How inclusive is it?
- Where are its authentic places?
