hmmm, ok i agree, something does need to be done to stop the senseless carnage happening on this bridge. but why does the “solution” to recent transportation issues in this region continually need to be in the form of more roads and more bridges? decision makers remain stubborn and ignore claims that more roadway capacity will result in more cars on the road and increase congestion. it’s laughable, then, to think that more roads, bridges, and CARS will actually result in “safer” roads.
let’s not forget, too, that these infrastructure initiatives also end up creating more problems than they are originally designed to solve. more road and bridge capacity makes it easier and convenient for people to hop in their cars instead of using public transit. money used to fund these projects will likely be diverted away from potential public transit initiatives (like better intercity transportation). more cars on the roads will eventually result in more congestion and even more greenhouse gas emissions then before.
if we want to make the lower mainland’s roads and bridges safer from speeding and aggressive motorists we need better short and long term solutions. a heightened policing presence can be directed to trouble spots like the patullo bridge to keep an eye on motorists. this should be relatively inexpensive. into the future, initiatives need to focus on getting people out of their cars by making it easier and more efficient to use public or active transportation alternatives.
the less cars we have on the road, the safer our streets will be.
Filed under: commentary
the pattullo bridge has the dubious distinction of being one of the deadliest bridges in the lower mainland. to fix the problem, translink is toying with the idea of twinning or replacing the aging bridge which links surrey and new westminster.
hmmm, ok i agree, something does need to be done to stop the senseless carnage happening on this bridge. but why does the “solution” to recent transportation issues in this region continually need to be in the form of more roads and more bridges? decision makers remain stubborn and ignore claims that more roadway capacity will result in more cars on the road and increase congestion. it’s laughable, then, to think that more roads, bridges, and CARS will actually result in “safer” roads.
let’s not forget, too, that these infrastructure initiatives also end up creating more problems than they are originally designed to solve. more road and bridge capacity makes it easier and convenient for people to hop in their cars instead of using public transit. money used to fund these projects will likely be diverted away from potential public transit initiatives (like better intercity transportation). more cars on the roads will eventually result in more congestion and even more greenhouse gas emissions then before.
if we want to make the lower mainland’s roads and bridges safer from speeding and aggressive motorists we need better short and long term solutions. a heightened policing presence can be directed to trouble spots like the patullo bridge to keep an eye on motorists. this should be relatively inexpensive. into the future, initiatives need to focus on getting people out of their cars by making it easier and more efficient to use public or active transportation alternatives.
the less cars we have on the road, the safer our streets will be.
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