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You are here: Home → Community → Blog → 2010 → April → Forced Into Our Cars

Forced Into Our Cars

Posted by Chris Hagerbaumer at Apr 12, 2010 03:55 PM |
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Not infrequently at OEC, we hear the statement, “You environmentalists are trying to force me out of my car.” Those who express this opinion seem to have forgotten the flip side: we’ve unintentionally built our communities in such a way that people can’t get where they need to go without a car.

Forced Into Our Cars

A recent poll by the national group Transportation for America found that 4 out of every 5 Americans think the United States would benefit from expanded public transportation options. Overwhelming majorities of voters in every region of the country and in every type of community — urban, suburban, and rural — hold this view.

Not infrequently at OEC, we hear the statement, “You environmentalists are trying to force me out of my car.” Those who express this opinion seem to have forgotten the flip side: we’ve unintentionally built our communities in such a way that people can’t get where they need to go without a car. In other words, most people are forced to drive. With the exception of drunk drivers and people who are no longer capable of driving, no one is taking away anyone’s keys. Results from the Transportation for America survey illustrate this point: the poll found most people feel they have no choice but to drive (73%), but wish they could drive less (57%).

It’s not cost-effective and it’s certainly not environmentally sound to obligate an individual to drive a two ton vehicle to a neighborhood park or convenience store because sidewalks and bicycle lanes do not exist. We must provide a variety of transportation options so that each person can choose the best option for each trip. With the onset of spring, perhaps you’re thinking about new ways to get around — check out OEC’s “on the go” green living tips.

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Forced Into Our Cars

Posted by Bruce Ronning at Apr 21, 2010 02:55 PM
I was pleased to see that you used the need for convenient walking/biking access to neighborhood parks as an example in the Forced to Use Our Cars article. In addition to ensuring adequate sidewalk, bike lane and connector trail routes to nearby parks, park location and design can also influence how people can access them. Typical park system comprehensive plans strive to locate neighborhood parks within convenient walking distance of the residential neighborhoods they serve; i.e. 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius. Locational standards also often call for particular attention to pedestrian barriers such as arterial streets and topographic challenges in order to encourage access without the need for automobile transportation. Good neighborhood park design relies on limited on-street parking rather than providing off-street parking lots to further encourage pedestrian/bike access. Finally the most demanded amenity nest to children's play features is typically a public restroom or seasonal toilet that reassures mom she won't have to jump into the car to rush a child home mid way through the family park visit.

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