Raise the Hammer

""If we build it they will come" may be wishful thinking given this cities history and current state. But I guess on this point we shall agree to disagree Ryan."

As Ryan frequently and skillfully points out, one does not have to speculate or do fresh studies from scratch. There is abundant empirical data already available. "If you build it they will come" is backed up by numerous examples, in diverse locations and cultures, where it has been proven true. Places that were just like us (history and current state). It activates demand that is kept latent. Over and over, it works. The examples are posted throughout this and other sites.

"If they come then we'll build it" is simply untrue of transportation networks. They don't come until you build it. Again, not everything is a dichotomy, this does not apply to everything. It does apply to transportation. And even within transportation this is not absolute, but it is in evidence everywhere that changes for the better are made. Agreeing or disagreeing does not make something true or untrue. Whether it is true or untrue is what makes it true or untrue :)

Do you know how often people express envy at being able to get rid of a car and bike everywhere? There are all sorts of reasons why I can, and there are all sorts of reasons why others can't. But surveys show a substantial percentage would like to avoid the car for short trips, but fear of roads prevents it. I see that gleam in people's eye when they realize I have no car, insurance, gas payments (I pay property taxes, I do chip in my fair share for roads) and you can see there latent demand for healthier transportation, but stifled by poor conditions for it that prevent all but the brave from actually doing it. I think that's where the real fear is with LRT, cycling plan, and other such initiatives. Many are afraid, not that it won't work, but that it will work!!

Comment edited by mikeonthemountain on 2010-03-29 08:51:17