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I just got back from the Netherlands, which is an interesting contrast. They use probably the same amount of space as a six lane stroad in some places, but inst

by gerad 3y ago

I just got back from the Netherlands, which is an interesting contrast. They use probably the same amount of space as a six lane stroad in some places, but instead of being entirely for cars, it looks like this: - 1 or 2 car lanes (each way) - a tram line (one each way on each side of the street, or in the middle) - a separated, 2 way bike lane on either side of the street - a separated (from the bike lane) sidewalk - a canal As you can imagine, this takes up a lot of space. Despite this, things feel much more walkable. The reason? No enormous parking lots around every store. Parking is generally almost entirely done at P+R parking lots outside of town, then taking public transit in.

hombre_fatal 3y ago
Even Mexican cities like Guadalajara and basically every pueblito are more hospitable. You can walk from your home to a cafe or corner shop for fresh produce almost everywhere I lived in Mexico. Not until I moved back to the US did I remember how us sad Americans (or at least Texans) have to pile into a car just to drive to a cafe, though inside the city/suburbs this is also caused by zoning laws. Granted, I'm just ranting. But I forgot how bad it was. Fortunately, some of this is very slowly changing. Even Houston is laying down more bike paths: https://houstonbikeplan.org/houston-bike-plan-map/ https://houstonbikeplan.org/houston-bike-plan-map/