4 ms·

Something Has Changed on City Streets, and Amazon Is to Blame

2 points by LordAtlas 3y ago

eesmith 3y ago
> they cynically transferred the benefit of lots of public property from car commuters and small retail businesses to bike-riding elites and corporate e-businesses. ... If that were a real concern, there should be outrage about the car-riding elite taking time and space from bus commuters, and advocating for dedicated bus lanes. > “Why don’t we ask the ‘no cars!’ people how they get their groceries and general supplies?” asked one correspondent in the Inside-Booster, a Chicago community newspaper. So here's the thing - bike riders aren't only elites. Here's data from a Chicago magazine article titled "Who Bikes in Chicago? It's Not Just Privileged Urbanites" https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/November-2015/Who-Bikes-in-Chicago-Its-Not-Just-Privileged-Urbanites/ https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/November-2015/Who-Bikes... : "Biking is highest among the poor, declines with increasing income, and then goes up a bit among the highest income bracket—perhaps because those with the most money can afford to live in the city center, likely placing them near their jobs and making bike commuting more convenient." In answer to the question "how they get their groceries and general supplies", the answer is "by walking, bike, taxi, and car rental/car share." Also, some families use a bike+car rather than being a two-car family. It isn't like the answer is some sort of big secret. Nor does it require an Amazon Prime lifestyle. Besides, if that were the real argument, then an Amazon Prime subscription (plus buying a new e-bike each year!) is cheaper than owning a car, so if on average each van service results in 20 people switch to a no-car lifestyle as a result, wouldn't that end up with more street parking?
- john_the_writer 3y ago
  That's just it isn't it.. the "pro car" people think "pro bike" people are anti delivery truck. I see my car once a week, when I take my dogs to dog training (40km away). Groceries are delivered (because it works out to be cheeper without impulse buys) I figure one truck on the road is better than every person on the road.
- john_the_writer 3y ago
  I also love this line "transferred the benefit of lots of public property from car commuters and small retail businesses" I wonder how many studies have to be done to prove small businesses grow when bike lanes are added. Box stores 20miles away suffer. I'm okay with that.
  - eesmith 3y ago
    Also, car commuters have greatly benefited from lots of public property dedicated to vehicles, and from private property, especially property owned by minorities, converted via eminent domain to support car commuters.

2 points by LordAtlas 3y ago

> they cynically transferred the benefit of lots of public property from car commuters and small retail businesses to bike-riding elites and corporate e-businesses. ... If that were a real concern, there should be outrage about the car-riding elite taking time and space from bus commuters, and advocating for dedicated bus lanes. > “Why don’t we ask the ‘no cars!’ people how they get their groceries and general supplies?” asked one correspondent in the Inside-Booster, a Chicago community newspaper. So here's the thing - bike riders aren't only elites. Here's data from a Chicago magazine article titled "Who Bikes in Chicago? It's Not Just Privileged Urbanites" https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/November-2015/Who-Bikes-in-Chicago-Its-Not-Just-Privileged-Urbanites/ https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/November-2015/Who-Bikes... : "Biking is highest among the poor, declines with increasing income, and then goes up a bit among the highest income bracket—perhaps because those with the most money can afford to live in the city center, likely placing them near their jobs and making bike commuting more convenient." In answer to the question "how they get their groceries and general supplies", the answer is "by walking, bike, taxi, and car rental/car share." Also, some families use a bike+car rather than being a two-car family. It isn't like the answer is some sort of big secret. Nor does it require an Amazon Prime lifestyle. Besides, if that were the real argument, then an Amazon Prime subscription (plus buying a new e-bike each year!) is cheaper than owning a car, so if on average each van service results in 20 people switch to a no-car lifestyle as a result, wouldn't that end up with more street parking?

john_the_writer 3y ago
That's just it isn't it.. the "pro car" people think "pro bike" people are anti delivery truck. I see my car once a week, when I take my dogs to dog training (40km away). Groceries are delivered (because it works out to be cheeper without impulse buys) I figure one truck on the road is better than every person on the road.
john_the_writer 3y ago
I also love this line "transferred the benefit of lots of public property from car commuters and small retail businesses" I wonder how many studies have to be done to prove small businesses grow when bike lanes are added. Box stores 20miles away suffer. I'm okay with that.
- eesmith 3y ago
  Also, car commuters have greatly benefited from lots of public property dedicated to vehicles, and from private property, especially property owned by minorities, converted via eminent domain to support car commuters.