4mo ago

Took a look at my city's census data...

Out of 56,000 who commute to work, 50,000 did so by car, with the overwhelming majority being single occupancy trips.

Over 60% of those 56,000 commute less than 29 minutes (including those who walk, take public transportation, or bike). With around 15,000 out of 56,000 saying that their commute is less than 15 minutes.

It's infuriating to know that driving has become the default for such short trips, and we still spend millions of dollars to make it easier to settle into this lazy pattern of transportation.

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What city?
- A city in Durham Region, Ontario. Pop around 185,000.
  
  I grew up in Durham region (Bowmanville specifically). This absolutely checks out. Luckily some of Bowmanville is somewhat walkable-ish (about all you can hope for in Durham), probably because of the sizeable Dutch immigrant population of old Bowmanville I'd guess?
So, before you can expect the city to spend money on non-car traffic, you will have to convince a significant amount of people to give up their car.
- But in order to convince people to give up their car, you need a viable alternative to driving.
  
  They exist but as long as roads are available to cars then people will keep on doing what they're used to doing, which is driving their car.
  We need to start blocking off streets and if the government won't do it then the people should.
Fun stats from where I live, 25% of households have zero vehicles in my area. Nearer the centre of town it rises to the majority of households. The rich area of town most have multiple and only 2% don't have one.
- Me as an urbanist: Awesome, go your town! Me as a communist: That last part is a tad sketch...
  
  When the revolution happens I know where I will be heading.

11 comments