Transportation
We’re not really all that different.
Each of us wants to enjoy good health. We want to know (and like) our neighbours. We want to be able to walk to school, to work, and to buy our milk. We want to live without the constant guilt of doing ‘too little’, and want to wake up knowing that our everyday efforts are making a difference. We certainly don’t want to be chided and ostracized when our actions ‘aren’t enough.’
Yet, we don’t live in this idealized community. We drive a lot. We complain about what’s not happening. We get angry at ‘the others.’ But when we agree that we all want healthier, happier communities, we can end the frustrated debate and start dealing in constructive solutions.
Congestion could be our friend. It could look like the enthusiastic convergence of people who genuinely want and enjoy one another’s company. Busy streets could be friendly streets. Cars would feel isolating if our streets were vibrant enough. And biking in the middle of the road, with friends beside you, is an ear-to-ear grin kind of pleasure. The conversation we need to have is about moving people better, while enjoying the ride. We need to do this together, and we need to be excited about it.
