Calls for Atlanta to Invest in Bike Infrastructure (2013, neighborhoods)

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Fine, I was wrong. You agree bikes should get a share of funding relative to their percentage of trips then?

I think it is a waste of precious taxpayer resources, personally.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I think it is a waste of precious taxpayer resources, personally.

Bikes use a tiny fraction of the space and wear on roads as cars. It is a best buy for tax infrastructure.

I can't wait for the day where the technology is good enough to charge users directly for the amount of infrastructure they use. Let people decide what is really the most cost-effective way to travel.

[noah]

You think that would change things. People already decide when they buy a $30k new car (average car price) instead of a $300 bike. They may not pay the full cost but cars aren't cheap and that isnt even counting the $0.55 per mile or so it costs to maintain and operate the car. Still wins out over riding your bike in that suit and tie 5 miles in 95 degree humid weather.

Originally Posted by jsvh

Bikes use a tiny fraction of the space and wear on roads as cars. It is a best buy for tax infrastructure.

I can't wait for the day where the technology is good enough to charge users directly for the amount of infrastructure they use. Let people decide what is really the most cost-effective way to travel.

[gtcorndog]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I think it is a waste of precious taxpayer resources, personally.

This.

Put the money where it impacts people. We waste enough money on stupid projects that have no meaningful impact on transportation... streetcar... cough... streetcar.

[cqholt]

How much does it cost to paint a bike lane, when a street is repaved?
Separated bike paths are nice, but not needed.

[noah]

According to the piece they want $37.5 million for bike lanes (15% of the total). So much for fixing our current infrastructure.

Originally Posted by cqholt

How much does it cost to paint a bike lane, when a street is repaved?
Separated bike paths are nice, but not needed.

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by noah

You think that would change things. People already decide when they buy a $30k new car (average car price) instead of a $300 bike. They may not pay the full cost but cars aren't cheap and that isnt even counting the $0.55 per mile or so it costs to maintain and operate the car.

The car is far more practical and versatile.

Still wins out over riding your bike in that suit and tie 5 miles in 95 degree humid weather.

No, it doesn't. And if it is pouring down rain?

[jsvh]

Sorry folks, but we have reached peak car. Already only 28% of Americans use only their car for trip during a week. Those of you that expect the government subsidies for drivers keep flowing and to have free parking and free roads all to yourself are in for a disappointing future.

Not that we are going to get rid of cars, but people will relay on them much less when they have to pay the real cost of driving like most every where else in the world. Complaining about a few thousand dollars to add bike lanes or even $100M to start a new transportation network seems quite silly when GDOT is dropping $1B to make modest improvements to one existing interchange.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by noah

According to the piece they want $37.5 million for bike lanes (15% of the total). So much for fixing our current infrastructure.

That gets about 10 miles worth of repaving done on a highway (which has to be done every 10 years). Most of this bond is already going just to repaving streets keeping on throwing more and more money after car infrastructure and neglecting other options is a losing proposition.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by noah

According to the piece they want $37.5 million for bike lanes (15% of the total). So much for fixing our current infrastructure.

That's it not too much to ask. It will make Atlanta more bike friendly which is shown to attract and keep young professionals. Keeping this group will add more tax money, improve the schools, and add population to the city. Also, more bike infrastructure can also help those less fortunate and those that can not afford to own a car. They can safely ride a bike to work, shopping, and transit stations. It will also encourage more people to bike/walk, which will reduce obesity and save everyone money.