[Vision2020] traffic woes

[Jacob Goodwin]

Roger and Ted,

Your agenda seems reasonable, however you just seem to be complaining
without coming to any feasable solution for the stated probelms.

People are not going to drive less with out any incentive.  I sure won't.
Maybe the government could require more fuel efficent cars to be sold.
However in the long run from an economic perspective, people would drive
more for the same cost and consumption would remain the same.

Now if the cost of fuel were to be dramatically increased, it would force
consumers to drive less or drive more efficent vehicles.

Locally traffic isn't a huge issue anyway, the worst traffic jams occor
after a football game at the dome.  There are other issues that deserve
greater attention than this one.


Sincerely,
Jacob Goodwin


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Moffett" <ted_moffett@hotmail.com>
To: <rhayes@turbonet.com>
Cc: <vision2020@moscow.com>
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003 4:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] traffic woes


>
> Roger et. al.
>
> Has anyone noticed the increase in traffic?  Surely you jest!
>
> I was driving east a few days ago on Third St. where the curve by the U of
I
> Graduate Student Housing turns four lanes into two, and the traffic was
> bumper to bumper backed up from Main St!  I gave up and turned off Third
> Street.
>
> Solutions?  Yes, of course, able bodied people could bike or walk.  Even
use
> of small electric vehicles for simple trips for groceries or to catch a
> movie, etc., would be helpful.
>
> But who will really change their life to avoid adding to traffic?
Obviously
> those who rely on their car or SUV or truck to get everywhere will just
> thumb their noses, or worse, at those who complain.
>
> I mentioned this issue a few days ago to a local Moscow resident active in
> promoting biking:  my solution was to suggest passing a city ordinance to
> fine able bodied Moscow city residents who drive their cars when not
> critical.  If the sight of a topless female requires regulation why not
> regulate the abuse of polluting vehicles who create hazardous traffic
jams?
> Yes, I know, this idea has about as much chance of passing into law as a
law
> against ice cream because it creates a health hazard.
>
> Americans are in love with their cars and attempts at getting them to bike
> or walk or use alternative transportation are flat out socialist liberal
big
> government un-American ideas!  Ha!
>
> May I suggest a respirator and full body armor for your next foray on the
> highways of the Palouse?
>
> Ted
>
> >From: roger hayes <rhayes@turbonet.com>
> >To: vision2020@moscow.com
> >Subject: [Vision2020] traffic woes
> >Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2003 14:22:31 -0700
> >
> >Dear visionaries:
> >
> >
> >Like so many Palouse residents, I live in Moscow but work in Pullman.
For
> >the past couple of years I have been riding my bike to work every day,
and
> >so haven't taken much note of traffic conditions.  Last week, due to a
> >(non-bicycle related) back injury, I found myself driving.  I couldn't
> >believe the traffic. By bike, in the mornings, I can usually make it to
the
> >west side of Pullman from the east side of Moscow in just about 30
minutes,
> >and the 5 o'clock return trip in about 35 minutes. Last week it took me
30
> >minutes to drive it in the morning, and 45 minutes to get home.  It's
> >strange to think that a bicycle is the faster way to commute over 11
miles.
> >
> >In addition, on two separate days, I witnessed acts of road rage. One in
> >Pullman and one in Moscow.  These happened right here in our peaceful
> >communities!
> >
> >Has anyone else noticed that there is an increase in traffic? Are more
> >people driving?  Are vehicles so big they take up more space on the
roads?
> >Or are we just driving more than we used to? Does anyone think that
traffic
> >and noise presents a problem?
> >
> >Yes, I do have an agenda here. Drive less, drive smaller vehicles, take
> >alternative transportation when available. Walk, ride the bus,
consolidate
> >trips to the store, ride a bike (it's fun and generally safe).
> >
> >I challenge readers to contemplate their driving habits. Why would this
be
> >important?  The answers are many:  Pollution. Conservation of resources.
> >Quality of life. Conservation of city/county resources. Personal and
public
> >health. Political issues, both international and national.
> >
> >Wouldn't it be nice to live in a town that didn't constantly hum and roar
> >with traffic? It is something only personal initiative will change.
> >
> >
> >Roger Hayes
> >Moscow
> >
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