MODE SHIFT

In previous centuries, change came with the new generation. Today, for the first time in history, change is coming to all generations. Adults and seniors are adapting to their new environments with life-style changes born of necessity. Part of that is their mobility, and a big shift just happened in Boston.

Twenty years ago, everyone with common sense, a few bucks in his or her pocket and self-respect owned a car. From 1960 to 2000, it was unthinkable that state and metropolitan officials would adopt a major public work plan for pedestrian and biking infrastructure with excellent prospects for funding.

Hiking and Biking in the Future Hub

A bike/ped shift has happened in Massachusetts, not just the City of Boston, but with Cambridge, Somerville and scores of suburbs that make up the larger Hub of Massachusetts Bay. It’s totally awesome!

Modes and Modalities

In the world of government budgeting, the elevation of biking and pedestrian amenities on the modal menu with highways and conventional transit is significant. It was powered by the cooperation of strong pedestrian advocacy, active cycling interests, demanding transit users. It happened in a Federal context changed by former USDOT Secretary LaHood who opened doors to funds for biking projects.

Massachusetts has flung them wide open! This shift is likely to spread to others cities and urban regions across the USA. It already has.

A growing number of people of all generations willingly choose not to own cars. With Zipcars and carsharing, there’s a new calculus in mobility thinking. Those who don’t own cars save, on average, $8000 a year and are healthier because of aerobic mobility. They burn less petroleum and add fewer molecules of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. By and large, they don’t know about, nor do they care about details of PRT or podcars.

Professional Shifts for Life-Style Shifts

A growing tide of life-style shifts is upon us. It is here. Hail to Boston Livable Streets, who beam visions of greenway paths throughout Greater Boston, and the new generation of city walkers who have turned throw-away neighborhoods into thriving communities where not having a car is cool. Where will new generations of architects, engineers and planners take this?

ATN infrastructure brings several new variables to the financial formulae that will be used for the cost/benefit analysis of ped-bike and transit projects. Fare revenues may be substantial - although taxi drivers may not be happy. ATN guideways can carry conduits for wires, cables and tube systems, adding value to the project. Whether in the public or private sector, the more return there is on an investment, the more likely that it will go forward.   Designed with karma-comforting solar power collectors, elevated ATN may be acceptable to community groups. In quiet spots, ATN guideways can run alongside bikers, joggers and walkers. In congested areas, sections can go underground.

A new ATN planning resource will soon be published by the Mineta Transportation Institute of San Jose State University. Stay tuned!