“With the factory located far from residential districts and without suitable public transit, driving was their only option for getting to work. In many of America’s new sprawling developments (for example, suburban residential areas), car ownership wasn’t a luxury, it was practically mandatory.” From In the City of Bikes by Pete Jordan.
Car ownership is becoming more expensive and public transportation becoming more expensive the best way to keep your money is to live as close as possible to the job and commute by bike.
Pedestrians have not changed. Account in 1906 in Amsterdam:
“If there is one category of people who still need to be educated on matters of traffic, then those are the pedestrians. Not conscious that they are in a busy traffic corridor, nor taking into account all that is moving around them, they go on their way with their heads in the clouds. They ignore sidewalks, preferring the middle of the street. Yes, indeed! They cross without looking…Entire families socialize in the streets.” From In the City of Bikes by Pete Jordan
It is worth the 16 mile bike ride to Orinda to have a Kasper’s hotdog. Then stop at the Orinda Library to do a little reading. Then the 16 mile bike ride back. Makes for a good day.
