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It's time for a multifaceted plan for transportation

Virginia needs to plan transportation differently

Date published: 12/25/2005

T RANSPORTATION in Virginia needs to address the needs of all the state's residents, giving them choices rather than making driving the standard for everyone and expecting the millions who don't fit this model to find some workaround.

This view of transportation has gone about as far as it can go, and it's way past time for a new model that addresses the needs of the very young, the very old, the disabled and the poor, not to mention people who would prefer healthful, environmentally friendly alternatives such as walking and bicycling.

On Dec. 3, in a transportation town hall meeting at Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg, governor-elect Tim Kaine asked for ideas on the future of transportation in Virginia. Here are some of mine.

First, create statewide transportation systems other than highways and freight railroads. Transportation needs do not end at county and city lines, nor do the roads. Neither should passenger trains, bicycling routes or walking trails.

Bike routes and trails and sidewalks have a significant role to play in local travel. The people of Charlottesville know that safe walking and bicycling routes are not just for recreation but are used by adults, children and senior citizens to go places.

Under our present system, many people who want to go somewhere are expected to find a ride. What could be a 3-mile bicycle ride turns into 12 unnecessary miles of driving as someone makes a round trip to take a passenger somewhere and another round trip to bring the person home. This multiplies congestion and pollution.

Safe walking and bicycling routes can alleviate this; however, they require not just paved trails but systems for safety. Every traffic signal should have an exclusive pedestrian light as part of its cycle. If no one pushes the button, motor traffic is not delayed at all. People who want to cross the street would get enough time to get across while other traffic stops.

Safe walking and biking routes also require incentives. Developers of every project in Virginia should have to answer a question: What will you do to encourage people to travel to and from your development on foot, by bicycle and by public transportation?

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Date published: 12/25/2005