Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will announce today, during a press conference, his plans for car-free days throughout the city. The move is meant to help combat global warming. While it's a cool idea, I think it's full of hot air.Imagine if all the streets around Alki Beach were shut down. What a fun pedestrian friendly place it would be. Well... that's part of the plan exactly.
On Sunday, September 7, from 12 to 6 p.m. cars will be banned from a section of Alki for one afternoon. Bicyclists will be allowed -- of course. Hopefully, bus traffic to the area will be increased.
The details about other car-free days and locations, to be held in August and September, have yet to be announced.
While I like the conscious-raising aspects of the events, I doubt random car free days around the city is going to make a dent in Seattle's carbon emissions. It sounds more like a publicity stunt to bolster the Mayor's image as a leader in the fight against global warming -- which I think is a real thing (you go Al Gore).
Whatever the true reason, car free days can't hurt but big talk and small actions don't solve big problems. We need a bold vision for our region and we need someone who can convince even the most glutinous among us to join the fight.
Source: King5.com
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2 comments:
Hey Robert, dropping in to say hello. Pop by the salon to say hello and get a haircut or something.... I'm sure you know I am no longer living at LaBaTeYa, maybe not. I am waiting to read more of your fabulous writing. Peace, letti
I think its a great idea especially around West Seattle and its ignorant teenaged drivers who do not abide by the laws there. The anti-cruising is ignored and lots of bikes who love to break the law as well at Alki-beach by tailgating and doing burnouts adding to the pollution.
Car free days will be a welcome sight there as it is a very beautiful area and less noise as well from stupid rap that is garbage to listen to and the "Thumpers" who constantly bombard the locals there with noise that is annoying.
I welcome car free days to Alki!!
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