A One-Way Road to a Dead End

I see there is concern about the loss of 26 street parking spaces as part of a recent repaving project.  I agree the lack of notice was less than ideal, but as to the rest...

First, a road is defined as “a means of conveyance for (all) vehicles to go from one place to another”.  It is not defined as “publicly-subsidized storage space for private property”.

Second, there seems to be a concern about a “loss of business”. Examine projects over the last decade where motor vehicle parking has been curtailed in favor of active transportation.  Initially businesses came out against it, now they want more of it.  It has only helped the business climate for all sorts of reasons  (New York Times - “Ban on Cars Spurs Urban Business”).

It does not take a 5,000 lb SUV to carry a half gallon of milk.  My touring bike easily handles 6 bags of groceries.  If those of us who are able bodied used active transportation where it is practical (short distances, minimal cargo) there would be ZERO congestion and PLENTY of car parking for those who genuinely need it.  Many (if not most)  transportation problems are caused not by lack of infrastructure but by our personal choices.

Lastly, the area of our town will remain constant while (notwithstanding some sort of disaster) population will always increase.  Roadways can only support so many vehicles at a time and the social costs of driving (cost borne by others than the driver) are enormous.  Prioritizing motor vehicles over more efficient modes of transport is a one-way road
leading to a dead end.

–Stacy Spink, Castro Valley