Guest post from Transit Columbus
As a rail advocate, you know the benefits of passenger rail for inter-city travel. But what about traveling within your own city or town? All of those same benefits translate to other modes of non-car transit as well—but only if the built environment allows for it. Most Ohio cities are built with only cars in mind. If we invest in better infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users, here are just a few things that would change:
There would be less traffic. Yes, that’s right—better public transit options and protected bike lanes and sidewalks mean fewer people in cars, which means that even drivers will have a more pleasant time getting around.
More people could get around safely. Contrary to popular belief, people who use bike lanes aren’t usually fit guys in Lycra; they’re everyday folks who may not be able to drive (kids without cars or licenses, aging and disabled folks who use e-bikes or motorized wheelchairs, working people who may not be able to afford a car, and so on).
Fewer people would be killed by cars. We have normalized deaths and injuries due to car crashes as just another fact of life. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to design streets that allow all modes of transportation to coexist safely - typically, by creating separate and protected spaces for people who walk, bike, roll, scoot, and drive.
Fewer businesses would be damaged by cars. Every day there is a story about a car crashing into a local dive bar, a beloved community space, or your favorite lunch spot. Some blame individual drivers, but their actions would be irrelevant if streets were designed to protect people (and buildings) from cars. Repairing damage from crashes is costly, affects business revenue (if the business has to close for said repairs), and results in insurance rate increases.
Shops and restaurants would see more foot traffic. Can you name every small business on your city’s main streets? You could if it were easy and pleasant to walk or roll by them every day. It’s hard to see what’s there when you’re moving by at 35mph and (hopefully) focusing on driving. It’s even harder if street parking allows large vehicles to obstruct your view. (When the City of Columbus shut down a portion of High Street to pilot its Open Streets events, one small business saw a 30% profit increase over their best day of sales previously.)
You would save money. Cars are expensive - and only getting more so. Repairs and maintenance are expensive. Gas is expensive. Parking is expensive. Rideshares are expensive. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were other safe and convenient options for those times you don’t feel like filling up your gas tank?
This all sounds great. But how do we get there? In the same way All Aboard Ohio has fought for passenger rail, we at Transit Columbus have spent years advocating for better transit policies and infrastructure here in central Ohio. Throughout the state, there are similar organizations and individuals who are pushing for their towns and cities to accommodate all forms of transportation—and when we organize collectively, it makes a difference.
Recently, the City of Columbus started a process to adopt a complete streets policy, which would require streets and roads to be built in ways that are safe for people of all ages, abilities, and modes of transportation. This effort is a direct result of people like you and me bringing awareness to the issue and calling for action to be taken by the city.
This November, residents of central Ohio also have the opportunity to vote on Issue 47, which would increase funding for improvements to our public transportation system and safe mobility infrastructure. If Issue 47 passes, it would mean a 45% increase in COTA service, including 5 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and 24-hour service on key lines. Future corridors could also be considered for light rail (currently, we don’t have the density needed to qualify for federal funding).
Initiatives like these have the potential to completely transform the way we’re able to move around, and only further reinforce the need for passenger rail between our cities and towns.
Learn more about Transit Columbus at their website
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