The Hong Kong of Active Communities
A thought provoking post at Freakonomics; really a Q&A on so called “Charter Cities” such as Hong Kong where a special economic, “better” rules zone, attracted economic growth. Can/should this be considered for developing countries?
If the charter specifies good rules (or in our professional jargon, good institutions) millions of people will come together to build a new city.
People will be attracted there because of the benefits of interacting with everyone else.
In addition to the charter city as a special economic zone, why not consider the potential growth in population, quality of life, culture and therefore attraction of investment and economic development of a special environmental zone. One where the “good rules” for the city are built around people instead of automobiles. It would seem many would choose to live, work and invest in a city where the percentage of cars used to commute is the same as bicycles are now: some .5%, and bicycles and other active transportation methods take the current place of cars at some 90%.
The entire design of the charter city would not be auto-centric: much less hard space, roads, highways, bridges, overpasses, parking lots/garages etc. And, the huge city budget dollars going to supporting the auto-infrastructure would be redirected to people. Sounds wonderful, new types of innovation around quality of place for people and better preservation of the environment.
There is a thoughtful quote contained in the article relating to barriers to change:
I think we’d do our jobs better if we just said what’s true without trying to be amateur politicians.
Interbike 09 Trends observed
Interbike 2009 wrapped up in Las Vegas on Friday.
Amidst the thousands of bicycles and accessories, there were 3 major trends.
1. The emergence of the drive belt replacing the chain has become, well, more mainstream. STRiDA folding bikes have been successfully using the belt since 1985, and the reviews of the belt drive have all been positive. For 2010 bicycles from Specialized, Trek and others adopt the proven technology and reviews are positive as well. A drive belt lasts longer than a chain and does not need to be lubricated with oil. It therefore can be much more appropriate for the commute, keeping your clothes clean. The belt on the STRiDA folding bike has an expected service life of a minimum of 50,000 miles!
2. The rapid growth of the number of commuter and city bike models that we have seen recently has become massive – definitely the fastest growing segment of the Bicycle Industry. The industry is betting heavily that people in North America will continue to move to bike commuting in ever-larger numbers.
3. Speaking of growth in bike commuting, this is beginning to fuel a related trend that was evident at Interbike; business appropriate clothing that is at the same time, bicycle commuting appropriate. On display were more and more garments tailored to business/career and casual dress, made out of lightweight wicking fabrics and cut for cycling motion.
All positive confirmation of a positive trend away from fossil-fuel commuting.
Fall bicycle clothing tips
Fall brings with it some of the best weather for bicycle commuting or recreation. This post from Let’s Go Ride a Bike about dressing for fall cycling is little different than most because it’s from a woman’s perspective.
It’s still a long while before winter, but the cool winds are just around the corner. Of note in the post is the reminder that fallen leaves which have already begun to arrive can be quite slippery.
Any favourite cooler weather clothing tips?
Sept 29: Yonge St bike & pedestrian lane opens
It was always a bit of a deadly ride or walk from downtown, past the access points to the Gardiner to the lakefront. But, a safer and easier access to the waterfront trails opens tomorrow.
From the City of Toronto’s Media Advisory:
Ribbon cutting for Yonge Street pedestrian promenade and bicycle lanes
Media are invited to join Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre – Rosedale) as she officially opens the Yonge Street pedestrian promenade and bicycle lanes. The section of Yonge Street that has been improved is located between Front Street and Queens Quay. This significant transportation project will result in safer and more aesthetically pleasing conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
Date:Tuesday, September 29
Time:11:30 a.m.
Location: Northwest corner of Yonge Street and Harbour StreetThe project features wide sidewalks with decorative pavement, pedestrian-scale lighting and granite-clad planter boxes with seat walls. There are also groves of trees, landscaped traffic islands, new crosswalks, public art installations, and new plazas and walkways. As well, the improvements include a reconf igured Yonge Street off ramp from the Gardiner Expressway, safety and lighting improvements in the railway underpass, weather protection along new buildings, 0.6 kilometre-long bicycle lanes and bicycle parking.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto’s incorporation as a city. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
Car Free Day
September 22; Toronto was the first city in North America to host a Car Free day. Started in 1999 in France as “In Town Without My Car!”
I did happily notice more people on the GO Train this morning. Participation in the event in which Car Free day is the final day of a week long event, has been growing steadily.
From the European Union Mobility Week press release: (http://www.mobilityweek-europe.org/)
In 2008, under the focal theme of ‘Clean Air for All!’, a record number of 2,102 local authorities signed the EMW charter and/or registered their activities on the campaigning site www.mobilityweek.eu. In terms of population, this translates into 220 million citizens in 39 countries potentially engaged by EMW 2008!
This was also an increase of nearly 4% on 2007 rates, with a good participation of old and new EU Member States, Accession Countries and EEA/EFTA countries. EMW’s successful campaigning model is also increasingly being adopted by countries outside Europe, including Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, with the major cities of Seoul, Rio de Janeiro, Taipei, Montréal, Yokohama and Quito all participants in EMW 2008.
We should be doing more with this here; many European Cities have free public transport for the day. Montreal has closed off some streets to cars…
