Car free cities
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Obviously the solution to the traffic problem lies with the government. They have under funded public transport for years which has led to the chronic problem that we have today.They have stalled the development of the LUAS too. However the government encourages car ownership today as it creates huge revenues for them in the form of various taxes. They will not jeopardize this source, will they. Also many new suburban developments be they housing estates, shopping malls, industrial estates are so remote and off the beaten track and served by an unreliable public transport service that it is a necessity for a person to have a car. For example, look at Blanchardstown, Clonee and surrounding areas,it resembles LA. Besides it’s not a crime either for anyone to possess a car of their own, and why not,if they have worked hard enough, they’ve earned it and especially too if the public transport system is an ill performing undependable mess. After years of bussing it,the hours of waiting and getting wet in the rain I am glad to say now that I enjoy driving my own car; an Audi TT hi-tech modern machine, architecture on wheels. No insulting comments please!
The use of public transport does not automatically mean that you are banned from owning your Audi quattro. It does not mean that all those who want to help our enviornment can never drive again. What it does mean is that less fossil fuels will be used, air will be cleaner and the impending demise of our global biosphere will remain at bay a little longer. Could you please try and use a little more grey matter before ranting about the right to own a car. Earning the right to own a car, very commendable, how about the rights of our childern to live in beautiful clean cities, without car crazed rednecks insisting on bringing their inefficient expendable toys everywhere they go, burning fuel & poisoning our skies. Its quite strange that a nation that has been so dependant on the land for so many generations, now has no regard for that self same land.
Also, all those planning to write in about ineffective public transport or the absolute necessity of using their cars daily, please dont. There are always exceptions to the rule and compromises will have to be made by all if we are to achieve a better enviornment for all.It all comes down to being aware that there’s more than one mode available – whether it’s the car or something else. And of course, trying not to commute.
We have a great big thirsty people-mover-style car sitting expensively outside the house, because we’re a big family. Yet for weeks at a time it doesn’t get used. This is because we parents work from home, the children’s schools are within walking distance or a short bus ride, and when we need to go further in the city (this being London) we often cycle, or take buses or the Underground. If I need to travel further for work, nine times out of ten I’ll take a train.
I reckon we use every available form of transport available, including the car sometimes – not as a matter of eco-policy, just on the basis of what’s most convenient at any given moment.
But this is because we’re doubly lucky – first in being able to work from home, second in being in a part of the city with a reasonable public transport network. If we lived out in the country, or had different jobs, we’d be totally stuck without a car.
Even so, I’m amazed at the number of people round us who drive a few hundred yards to shops or school. What happened to legs? As our wily Mayor Ken Livingstone observed the other day, people seem to drive their kids to school because they are frightened that if they don’t, their kids will get run over by other people driving their own kids to school. It’s surreally self-perpetuating. Meanwhile all those fumes send the asthma statistics (particularly among children) rocketing.
Even so, I remain psychologically unable to give up my car, even though it’s mostly just standing there mouldering away. This must be because of some stupid notion of freedom of movement that it represents. Which, presumably, is the whole problem.
Hmmm, we have the lowest % subsidy public transport system in Europe and we have the worst public transport system in Europe. I see a link forming here!!! In fact most people realise this, except the government, who all go in there ministerial mercs every day. True Public servants would use public transport. But they dont – because as we are seeing the people in government are only there to serve themselves and their cronies, not the public. They have their heads so far up there own arses that they will do nothing about the gridlock until its too late. As can be seen from the taring over of Leinster Lawn – we have a car based government. And one that gives in to the AA and the SIMI about absolutely everything, for god’s sake they are only pressure groups.
THE GOVERNMENT ARE PATHETIC
Rory W
It seems that their is an unwarrented underlying resentment or bitterness from MK regarding car usage, note the perpetual sarcasm ie ‘rednecks’and other such digs. I take it that you do not drive yourself. It is great to take the stereotypical high moral stand and indeed it would be ideal if we could all live in a world full of peace with exotic flowers and trees and cities of wonderous architectural delights whom all could gaze at in awe…..but sadly not so, especially here in Ireland. The Stepford Wives, Shangri La, Elyseum……all stuff of escapist fiction. Human beings en mass are prone to failure despite the guidence of an ‘individual’s’ great ideological views of how we should all live and share this blue planet. But realistically, if you consider economic history any country that became considerably wealthy, car ownership grew expediently, ie look at the USA and Europe after WW2, the cadilacs,the autobahns…etc. But it’s because Ireland was way behind the rest of the western world that such a boom in car ownership as well as everything else is only occurring now and we can’t seem to cope with it. It’s because we have had inadequate governments with inadequate think-tanks and worthless solutions and policies that such chronic traffic problems as well as others exist today. The problem lies with the government who make and who supposedly enforce the laws that govern the land for the betterment of the people and society.How can car usage be moderated when the government creates a climate that encourages car usage……..it’s hypothetical.
The resentment is not unwarranted, if people cant get over their own selfish desires on this issue, then the change will never come about. Thank you for the brief synopsis of the Irish Automotive Post War Psychology.
So what!
Is our intellect so restrained that we are not aware of the damage and inconvenience we cause each other. People who buy cars are not (I hope not) inncoent children. If everyone is so aware of the damage caused to cities like LA of Athens, then why continue down that same path. It does not make any sense and that is irrefutable.
Also, Im not looking for the ever elusive Nirvana, no need to turn into a drama queen over that, all we need is a small concerted effort from everyone.
The government, we elect them, there not omnipotent beings, if they are incompetant, dont elect them again, write to you local TD or the relevant Minister, (for Transport par example). The government represent US, they reflect what we are willing to tolerate. Their power stems from what we let them have.Well I can honestly say that I do my best for the environment.As a former horticulturist I recycle my waste, organic matter goes on the compost heap for my lush garden, I recycle my glass when ever I can find a bottle bank. I would’nt dare think of driving a car; what an expensive device, when a bicycle a bus or walking is sufficient. I am energy conscious in the home conserving electricity and heating energy, who needs a telly when a good book with recycled paper does. I limit the use of non bio-degradable products and use organically grown food stuffs, no genetically modified food for me. Microwaves are definitely out as well as mobile phones.Who knows what damage they cause; cancers and tumours. OK you may say it’s a frugal life, I may live like a member of the Amish community but I do my best for the environment. I would only hope everyone followed suit too and as Louis Armstrong sang ‘What a Wonderful World it would be.’
As well as pointing out the serious damage excessive car use does to the environment and to people with breathing related conditions (pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers), it is worth pointing out to people who become hysterical about the absolute right to ‘own’ a car(another great Americanism)that more people in this century have died at the hands of automobiles, than have died in W.W.I., W.W.II., the Korean, and Vietnam wars combined.Ignoring these types of statistics is not too different to Charlton Heston in the U.S. defending the principle of the right to ‘own’ a gun after schoolchildren were shot dead in shool classrooms. I am not oversimlifying here, nor do I suggest banning cars, I am merely saying that the disadvantages of cars are numerous and are easily, and conveniently ignored, by car enthusiasts. e.g. Some people on this post have written in to describe their new cars, fair play, well earned I’d say. “Just watch me rev. her up, put on my shades, and sit in traffic, what a car”. “it’s a six speed Alfa, I’ve only used three gears” etc. I’m not being facetious here, you must admit, it is pathetic.
I must say – I’d love to have a car. It’d be useful on Sundays for excursions out of Dublin etc. That’s probably all I’d use it for really – so it’d be a waste of money.
If you live in the country I suppose it is vital. Cars are brilliant – let’s just seriously ask ourselves: do they really belong in cities to they extent that they do at present?
The odd/even numberplate idea is the type of idea that does work. In Florence for example, I’ve seen the wardens standing at the entances to the city centre checking on the the stickers displayed in windscreens. Green for odd dates red for even I think it goes. The outer city of Siena area is mayhem – hell on earth with traffic [don’t ever try to visit by car – we failed and had to return the next day by train!] but the inner city is beautifully quiet and very lively – full of contented people walking it’s streets in peace and quiet.
Doesn’t the Irish government have a huge amount of money left over from last year that they aren’t spending? That’s what I’ve heard. What’s going on?
Yeah! you guys are right ‘Cars’ should be banned, full stop and i’m not being sarcastic. I mean what benefits have automobiles given us in the 20th century, absolute zero, would you say, think about it! Bicycles are the way to go and to add, how about doing away with other modes of mechanical transport; aircraft, look at the detrimental pollution they produce.How about heavy industry too. We could all live in adobi mud huts, natural and environmentally friendly. Why not? Half the world who’s living in poverty does.I mean look at the massive damage the building industry causes to the environment, well with the cement and stone quarries, the large felling of trees and forests, the loss of fine agricultural land to building etc….and these inane fashion conscious architects using the products of such industries…the use of steel, glass etc.. all products of an industry that rapes , plunders and scars the land. Maybe I’m going too far you say now, but if you’re really concerned about the environment it is the only way for the world to heal itself, is it not. Do you object now because you’d forfeit your cosy little centrally heated homes, your appliances that make life so easy, your foreign holidays, your massed produced food and clothing, your entertainments and luxuries which is so convienient. What’s so ironic too is the hypocritical outcry on this forum over the demolition of Archers garage,a tribute to the car and a symbol of the ‘great’ automobile age when at it’s peak.
Ray, your a drama queen, a sensationalist & I presume an all round panic merchant of a pessimestic diposition. I have no intention of getting involved in a mud(adobe, not adobi) slinging match with someone of questionable intellect. The title of this debate is ‘Car Free Cities’ & you seem a little off the mark. Cross pollination between subjects is always inevitable sometimes a great thing, but your alarmist nature takes it to the extreme. We are trying to discuss one aspect of urbanism & how to improve it, with respect to automotive traffic.
How pointless it is to discuss the possibility of car free cities whilst also pondering all other aspects of the worlds problems. Small steps in any better direction are a far greater addition to mankind than your fatalist nonsense.
Basically, grow up and try to contribute in a positive manner so we can all benefit, or else, **** offFor the record, I don’t have a car either but would like one, like John, for leaving the city at weekends. The ease of travel is something that we do take for granted nowadays and its not a right that will be removed easily. Far better an approach like the “odd / even days” mentioned here.
Can I also say, and I think I speak for most here, that I would prefer if the posts didnt get personal. Attack the idea constructively, not the person.
Re: Duncan and the Swedes. Yes, Sweden is organised, green, healthy and puts the Irish to shame, but it is one of the most boring countries in the world! So much is regimented, controlled. Dublin: unorganised, dirty, unhealthy, but young Swedes love it!
I think the solution to the transport problem/traffic chaos has been raised here a few times which some people have failed to see but have resorted to personal insults. To repeat what I can gather, the problem lies clearly with the successive governments who have failed over the years to fund public transport and this has led to the car culture that we have today. This is re-iterated especially when one see that the government yesterday is finally addressing the problem overall …..One hopes!
As this is and architecture/design website, is there a design angle on this (i.e. some way design/ers can contribute to improving the situation)?
As this is and architecture/design website, is there a design angle on this (i.e. some way design/ers can contribute to improving the situation)?
Not really, more practical solutions are needed here, the ones that can be done with the stroke of the pen. But how about the design of bus shelters, bollards, paving patterns, a big one ……bridges, roads etc…..
Architectural isuues do not mean that you make a beeline for the mayline. Design is nearly all discussion and refinement of an idea. In solving the problem of traffic and polluted air, the magic pen will not suffice. Design is debate and discussion.
What do you think separates great designers from the mediocre. Its their ability to discuss problems concerning design on their deepest level, not gloss over the top.
In architecture, to solve difficult problems, all avenues must be explored.
A new bollard or bus shelter will not make a car free Dublin, maybe a prettier Dublin(which is a good thing), but not a car free Dublin. Bjorn, do young Sweedes like grimy Dublin like our Students like to visit Asia, go once, be amazed & invigorated by what you seen, then leave & return to your better, fairer world.
Grimy Dublin may be a romantic fantasy for 6 months, but something has to be done to clean it up. Large scale public opinion must be swayed, a government with the balls to make radical changes, even at their own political detriment, must do so, transport must be provided.
Also, I would like to apologise for the personal insults. I had a certain dread that the debate was going to turn very silly, & all that was being discussed in a constructive manner was going to be lost in a sea of nonsense, as has happened before on this site.Hi Mk, When I stated that traffic problems can be solved with the stroke of the pen I was referring to the government who has the power to implement the policies to create a more ‘car free city’. Such a climate has to be created first so as everything can then follow suit. You seem to realise this when you refer to a government with balls…..
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