February 19, 2014 · Exit133

Sharing the Streets: Can It Work?

Can cars, bikes, buses, and pedestrians co-exist? That's the question a panel of experts will discuss at Downtown On the Go's Transportation Forum at noon this Friday. We all use the roads in one way or another to get around town, and like it or not, the rest of the world isn't likely to go away any time soon, so sharing is going to be a part of the equation.

Making room for all modes of transportation is not only possible but the most inclusive and inviting way to design our streets. Hear from experienced planners, local advocates and people who use all modes about how we can make this happen in Tacoma. Look at creative designs from around the country and right here in our community.

Downtown On the Go’s Friday Forums are a chance to learn about transportation issues in Tacoma, discuss real issues facing downtown commuters and residents, and hear about new ideas in the transportation world. The public is encouraged to attend this free lunchtime event, and to bring their curiosity and questions about what works and what doesn't.

What are the biggest opportunities or gaps you see in making Tacoma's streets work for everyone involved? Maybe you've got a crazy idea you'd like to run by an expert or two... or share it here first...

Read more and RSVP on the Facebook event page.

Filed under: Transportation, Events, Get Involved

3 comments

fred davie February 19, 2014

What about skateboards, in line skates, golf carts, go carts, battery powered cars, quads, unicycles, mopeds, powered wheelchairs, scooters, forklifts, etc. Will the city make the streets work for these vehicles too?
- Xeno February 20, 2014
  
  Maybe with an advocate like yourself that can master the costs and benefits of each one of those modes of transportation it can happen. Orting allows golf carts interestingly enough.
Garrett February 24, 2014

It's okay Xeno, maybe Fred was an an only child and the word sharing scares him at first. Fred, the answer is Yes, Yes and Yes. The way we currently choose to spend on infrastructure that overwhelmingly supports single occupancy vehicle travel is not sustainable, not just from a carbon footprint standpoint, but also from a human density perspective. We don't need to ban cars; I like my car. We just need to encourage each other to change our behaviors, which is a little scary at first. But it can be done. It is being done, in cities across America and the world. And we don't want to leave Tacoma behind. You should go to the meeting, let your voice be heard, instead of us all (including me) typing pitiable and snarky remarks at each other.