I would rather fund bicycle trails.... (Austin, China: bus, moving, rail)

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by scm53

Urban Trails Master Plan continues to face opposition. Environmentalists object to the hard surfaces.

I personally like crushed granite the best. Plus it is cheaper!

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by scm53

Urban Trails Master Plan continues to face opposition. Environmentalists object to the hard surfaces.

Tremendously biased to only mention and quote those opposed to the plan and not those supporting it.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by Austin97

I personally like crushed granite the best. Plus it is cheaper!

Washes away right zippy under the proper/improper circumstances...one reason much of the Brushy Creek Trail was switched to concrete. I'm all for DG in the right places; but the road bikers aren't going to like it if it isn't maintained. Actually, road bikers with skinny tires won't trust it.

[IC_deLight]

Originally Posted by Austin97

I personally like crushed granite the best. Plus it is cheaper!

It also doesn't stay in place, creates more friction for bike tires, and has to be continuously maintained to keep grass from growing up through it. You also can't just blow away debris as you can with a concrete pathway. It's not really "cheaper" at all.

[hillcountryheart]

Originally Posted by veloman777

Most people are not even going to consider using a bike if they don't feel safe. And that's one of the reasons why we only have 2% citywide using bikes. The heat, distance and hills, and speed of cycling are all very much addressed by electric bicycles.

With safe infrastructure for 20mph electric bikes - you would move a LOT more people around the city. Auto traffic goes 40mph for 30 seconds, then sits at a light for 30 seconds. Incredibly inefficient on MANY levels.

I agree that ebikes should be part of the equation. They are in Amsterdam as well. In addition, mopeds are allowed on bike paths. I disagree.

The Moped Menace in the Netherlands | BICYCLE DUTCH

But if the Dutch can handle coexistence of all sorts of bicycles, eBikes AND petrol-powered mopeds, I figure regular bikes and eBikes could co-exist here. You can mod a Segway to hit 20 mph if you're so inclined.

[Roadking2003]

For a fraction of what the Austin City Council wants to spend on rail, we could build lots of bike lanes and bike roads and buy thousands of people a new bike.

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by Roadking2003

For a fraction of what the Austin City Council wants to spend on rail, we could build lots of bike lanes and bike roads and buy thousands of people a new bike.

We need to do both. Bikes and rail work better together.

Actually we need all of the above. Rail, bikes, pedestrian infrastructure, buses, and roads. We need more of everything if we're going to start digging ourselves out of this hole.

[veloman777]

I wonder what the environmental impact is for NOT building a paved bicycle transportation network? You know, the million of personal automobiles that will be clogging the streets, polluting the air, dripping oil on the land....

We need a paved surface. Many reasons why. Town lake trails get very dusty with bikes on them. No one wants to run or bike through the dusty air. Heavy rains erode the trails constantly. They are dangerous, even for mtn bikes - when the loose material builds up it's like trying to ride on the beach sand. Corners - ugh, super dangerous with loose material. As said above - it takes more energy to travel on. Road bikes are certainly out. Not too much of an issue on my ebike, but it would significantly reduce the viability of using them for transportation.

A paved bicycle network that is safe from distracted drivers using their pollution machines at high speeds is by far the most environmentally friendly option of travel. No urban transit will come close.

It's also by far the cheapest.
The healthiest.
The most enjoyable.
And still gives you the freedom of your own schedule.

[CptnRn]

These AirWheels are even less expensive than electric bicycles. No peddling required. 12 mph. Up to 28 miles travel distance, depending on speed and which model you buy.

Offical AirWheel YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTurboWheel

UpHill- DownHill on the smallest most basic unit: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ppE6O1wl-iM?list=UUEt-cdan_M-n4uvPrtg-Uyg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Soccer Ball: 10 Yr Old AirWheel - YouTube

Commuting to work in heavy pedestrian traffic : Commute To Work just got FUN! - YouTube

Official AirWheel website: AirWheel electric unicycle | Self balancing Unicycle | AirWheel Official UK Site | Self Balancing Electric Unicycle

Amazon.com sells the Q3, 12mph, 24-28 miles distance per charge for $850: http://www.amazon.com/Airwheel-Pocke...0816376&sr=1-3

For many people this could eliminate the need for an automobile.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uRauoCbTj0k/mqdefault.jpg

http://images.viralnova.com/000/042/123/airwheel3.jpg

http://img11.nnm.me/b/6/b/8/9/dfb956...ae7abcd791.jpg

[CptnRn]

Just found another product similar to the AirWheel. The RockWheel or RockWay unicycle. Larger diameter tire, faster speed, longer distance range. Rockwheel Electric Unicycle - Home

Movie: http://youtu.be/t7b3n-Jicls

Wow! All of these amazing products coming out of China. Remember when China was the source of cheap, low quality products and America lead the world in innovation and high quality products?

These unicycles may not be the healthiest riding options, but they are usable by the elderly, people with knee, hip, joint problems, arthritis, loss of a limb, disability and others who cannot jog or ride a bicycle (I raise my hand). And isn't this issue mostly about getting people out of automobiles and using other forms of transportation. Bicycle paths should accommodate all of our citizens who can benefit from them. And that results in a huge increase in people who will be in favor of bicycle pathways.

Hell, I may explore an Amazon Drone for my next visit to my Doctor's office... it probably beats the last Yellow Cab service that I did NOT get to the airport on time....

http://www.zdnet.com/amazon-unveils-...ly-7000033460/