The graphic above summarizes the transportation feedback received from the public during the BC Governments initial phase of consultation on Climate Leadership back in the summer of 2015 and then the recommendations to achieve those. In my eyes, the recommendations are very passive in their approach, when I feel we need to be far more proactive and aggressive if we are to truly reduce our GHG emissions. Read on for some thoughts.
So rather than things like set targets or support transit, I would have liked to see more positive actions coming out, recommendations for actual on the ground solutions such as:
- Recognize the concept of induced demand when planning solutions to congested roadways.
- Implement road pricing in the Lower Mainland.
- At least acknowledge walking and cycling as an alternative, don't lump it in with 'transit and other'.
- Acknowledge that separated lanes are essential to create sufficient mode shift to cycling to truly provide a reduction in emissions.
- Actually fund improved transit service (rather than support) without the need for a referendum (if road projects don't need one, neither should transit, walking and cycling projects).
- Implement a mechanism whereby all provincial and municipal capital budgets must be filtered through a framework that will prioritize those that best contribute to climate change goals.
- Adjust zoning regulations to better restrict car orientated development and better allow transit orientated or walkable developments.
- Acknowledge the potential impacts, albeit they aren't completely known at this time of autonomous vehicles
Any other thoughts and ideas?