Now that Proposition 1 (RTID) has been soundly defeated, those who are concerned about traffic congestion are left wondering what’s next? For starters we have two challenges to consider: 1) the lack of practical mass transit options for most of the population and 2) the lack of dedicated bike paths for those who wish to safely commute across and to cities.
Most folks I have spoken to would rather take a bus in rush hour traffic than get stuck in rush hour traffic driving a car. However, for many residents, particularly those in outlying areas, driving is the only option for commuting to work. So it seems to me that instead of spending billions over 20 years to build light rail, perhaps we should instead invest a few hundreds of millions in vastly expanding bus service throughout the Puget Sound. By contrast, RTID would have only spent $25 million over two decades for increased bus service.
Also neglected by RTID was infrastructure to enhance and link safe bike traffic. The bicycle has the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and car exhaust. A bike trip is 3 times more efficient pound for pound than walking and as much as four times faster. However, cars and bikes don’t mix. A bicyclist on urban roads mile for mile has a much greater chance of serious injury or death than a motorist. Naturally, fear of injury is what prevents most people from biking to work or running errands on a bike. We need dedicated paths for bicyclists crossing through cities and linked to Park and Rides to catalyze bike traffic. Perhaps cities in Snohomish County could take Seattle’s lead and invest serious money in bike plans. Cities need to think globally and act locally if we are going to solve our transportation dilemmas.
Eric Teegarden
Mountlake Terrace
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