Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas
I've come to realize that the dilemma with nimbyism stems from the fact that it's hard for some people to imagine any mode of transportation other than the one they've been forced to use for their entire lives up to this point. The singular transportation option has created a mental block of conceivable possibilities. And they live this reality while telling urbanists that they don't want to be forced out of their cars. Not to get offensive about it, but I liken the situation to a caged animal that has become so used to being forced into their confined space that they can't imagine life any other way.
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That's an interesting analogy - and I'd say it's true in some regards. I think the other part of it is that people are highly possessive of not only their land, but the land around them (even though it's not theirs). It's ironic in that many Texans have a "don't tell me what to do with my property" attitude, yet do just that when someone wants to do something that they don't like.
Regarding transportation, I think it will just take the time of showing people that alternative modes can and do work. Of course, this means getting something approved and built in order to show them, which is the difficult part.
I grew up with a truck and I could never imagine life without my truck...or a personal vehicle of some sort. When I moved to the east coast of China several years ago, I didn't have the option of a car, so public buses, subways, and taxis were the only options. Eventually I got an electric scooter, but I still preferred the subway to go into the city center. Now I live in a smaller city (relative - I'm still in China...it's still huge) that doesn't have as extensive of a transportation system. I DO have a car now, but I still prefer to bike when going into the city center because it's typically faster and more convenient (don't have to worry about parking, etc.). I bike at least 80% of the time, I'd say. If I ever move back to Texas, my choice of where I live will be near where I have a job, and I'd love to not rely on a car.
Experience changes things more than anything. Unless these folks see and experience the true freedom of not *always* relying on a car, they can't possibly understand it.
Edit: I do want to add that I don't think cars are evil, as some urbanism folks seem to think. I think they're just not practical in every situation. There are some situations where they make sense. I personally don't have issues if someone owns a car and uses it some of the time (I do that, after all). I do think that as cities grow, there need to be ways for folks to not need them if they choose to go without (or cannot afford) a car.
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