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While I understand the motivation behind this, I am not sure it is a huge step forward. Most commuter cyclists are told to bring a spare kit for changing tires and to be honest, it is quite a simple task that adds no more than a few pounds to your loadout. Unfortunately, many bikers may not take the risk of a flat or mechanical failure seriously so alternative forms of transit may be needed mid-commute. A prepared cyclist would only need this feature in extreme circumstances and this is only AAA, more insurance companies would need to support it for it to gain traction.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Dutch Cycling
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The Netherlands has a unique problem in Amsterdam, where the number of bikes are greater than their population by about 10%. While US cities would be hard fought to find a city where cycling is as crowded, it shows just how many people are willing to cycle if the infrastructure supports it and promotes safety. While many riders will not cite health benefits, the economic upside and potential time reduction in commuting can lead to a higher quality commute and increase satisfaction with living in the area.
The Netherlands has a unique problem in Amsterdam, where the number of bikes are greater than their population by about 10%. While US cities would be hard fought to find a city where cycling is as crowded, it shows just how many people are willing to cycle if the infrastructure supports it and promotes safety. While many riders will not cite health benefits, the economic upside and potential time reduction in commuting can lead to a higher quality commute and increase satisfaction with living in the area.
Maglev in DC
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Political commentary aside, I think this article has a lot of interesting information. With financial incentives from other governments, not corporate investors, you would think that the offer would be taken under serious consideration. Unfortunately, our society isnt quite ready to adopt transit as we feel attached to our personal vehicles and the government should do what it can to ensure that I can use it whenever I want. Or at least that is my impression of the constituency. The biggest issue is the price tag, in an era of budget cuts and sequestration it will be a tall order to pass a $10B project that has harsh critics both domestically and abroad.
Political commentary aside, I think this article has a lot of interesting information. With financial incentives from other governments, not corporate investors, you would think that the offer would be taken under serious consideration. Unfortunately, our society isnt quite ready to adopt transit as we feel attached to our personal vehicles and the government should do what it can to ensure that I can use it whenever I want. Or at least that is my impression of the constituency. The biggest issue is the price tag, in an era of budget cuts and sequestration it will be a tall order to pass a $10B project that has harsh critics both domestically and abroad.
Estonia Public Transit
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Ideas like this are what breathe new life into transit. While some may have failed, bringing them back with calculated risk can lead to increased ridership and decrease the number of vehicles on the roadway making it easier for all involved. While free may not be feasible in small communities where the cost of equipment would likely represent a large financial burden, larger cities can explore alternatives to the standard way of doing things with items like an unlimited monthly pass, discount cards, flat rates, etc. Motivating people to use transit it very difficult, especially in Norman where there is nearly no incentive to do so. Students can begin the shift since they likely are the largest demographic of CART ridership.
Ideas like this are what breathe new life into transit. While some may have failed, bringing them back with calculated risk can lead to increased ridership and decrease the number of vehicles on the roadway making it easier for all involved. While free may not be feasible in small communities where the cost of equipment would likely represent a large financial burden, larger cities can explore alternatives to the standard way of doing things with items like an unlimited monthly pass, discount cards, flat rates, etc. Motivating people to use transit it very difficult, especially in Norman where there is nearly no incentive to do so. Students can begin the shift since they likely are the largest demographic of CART ridership.
Lyft in Ann Arbor
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I think this methodology is some of the best for enticing people to use alternative forms of transit. With the University of Michigan close by, users in Ann Arbor would likely use this service on the weekend for transport to and from bars, although that may be an errant assumption on my part. The free launch gives them, what Lyft hopes to be, a pleasant first experience with the service in hopes of repeat business. Programs such as these, at the very minimum, can reduce the amount of intoxicated drivers when they dont have to wait an hour or more for a taxi when the system is taxed at capacity. Local people can help out and make some money in the process.
I think this methodology is some of the best for enticing people to use alternative forms of transit. With the University of Michigan close by, users in Ann Arbor would likely use this service on the weekend for transport to and from bars, although that may be an errant assumption on my part. The free launch gives them, what Lyft hopes to be, a pleasant first experience with the service in hopes of repeat business. Programs such as these, at the very minimum, can reduce the amount of intoxicated drivers when they dont have to wait an hour or more for a taxi when the system is taxed at capacity. Local people can help out and make some money in the process.
Uber in Tampa, FL
While attending a conference in Tampa, FL a few weeks back, I was given the opportunity to experience Uber first hand. I have participated in ride sharing programs before, so the concept wasnt foreign but I was not confident that the advertised product would deliver on its promises. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to locate a ride and it was considerably cheaper(read free) than taking a taxi because it had just launched in the area. Granted, my positive experience can easily be outweighed by a negative one, but for now programs such as this will receive my support.
Another hiccup
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Another example of powerful people steamrolling ideas that they find distasteful even if it supports or betters the local area. I think this was a short sighted move all in the interest of appearances, rather than looking at the long term effects and potential up-side from this project. Another case of the golden rule-"the man with the gold makes the rules"
Another example of powerful people steamrolling ideas that they find distasteful even if it supports or betters the local area. I think this was a short sighted move all in the interest of appearances, rather than looking at the long term effects and potential up-side from this project. Another case of the golden rule-"the man with the gold makes the rules"
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