Bicycle Austin forum

MichaelBluejay

Webmaster

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-26

Posts: 1,455

Website

Austin gets $23 million grant to address traffic deaths

https://communityimpact.com/austin/nort … mmunities/

You all know my feeling:  traffic deaths are more a function of selfish culture than infrastructure, and until we address culture, targeting infrastructure is like trying to empty a bathtub with a thimble.  Indeed, Vision Zero seems to be a miserable failure.

Instead, how much culture change could we get for $23M?  e.g.:

* increased driver training requirements
* Harder written and road tests for licensing
* Actual punitive measures for speeding, red light running, DWI, hit and run, killing other road users
* Signs and billboards

What else?

Jack

Member

Registered: 2013-03-27

Posts: 344

Re: Austin gets $23 million grant to address traffic deaths

https://communityimpact.com/austin/nort … mmunities/

Instead, how much culture change could we get for $23M?

What else?

I'd suggest a grant program to supply bicycles, even electric assist bicycles, for residents to use for transportation--with grants conditioned on training in safe riding practices and documenting regular actual use.

MichaelBluejay

Webmaster

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-26

Posts: 1,455

Website

Re: Austin gets $23 million grant to address traffic deaths

Great idea!

Jack

Member

Registered: 2013-03-27

Posts: 344

Re: Austin gets $23 million grant to address traffic deaths

Great idea!

Think how many "butts on bikes" could be gained for $500 each average for bike/training/admin. with only $1 million. 
What does a mile of "protected" bike lane cost and how many new riders would it likely create and over what area of the city?