We desperately need more housing, but when housing is discussed, residents push back with traffic and parking concerns. I think there is another way to look at this. There is a way to create more housing without making traffic and parking worse.
And here is the secret door: What would happen if new construction projects were required to fund dedicated bike lanes from the development to major transportation hubs and to offer all tenants free Samtrans and Caltrain passes?
When people feel safe, they will bike. This has been shown to be true in cities that have safe bike lanes. To feel safe, cyclists need a physical barrier between bikes and cars, called Class 4 bike lanes. Although this would be an additional expense for the developer, the trade off is that the project would be more likely to be built. Neighbors might support the development because it would actually improve the neighborhood and reduce traffic congestion.
When there are 10 percent fewer cars on the road, most traffic jams disappear. You can see this effect on Columbus Day and other minor holidays. When people move to a new home, they tend to find new habits, like biking instead of driving. Getting people out of their cars will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cycling is good for your health.
Stop and imagine the Peninsula with continuous, safe bike lanes. Imagine traffic problems getting better, not worse, at a fraction of the cost of building new car lanes and overpasses.
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Elaine: Last September, when I was in Amsterdam, I was amazed by how many people get around by bicycle. Many of the bikes are equipped with little trailers so riders can transport groceries and little children. The secret to making bicycling popular is to create an extensive network of bike lanes that are separated from motor traffic. As a result, bicyclists feel so safe that most don't even wear helmets.
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