Does Bicycle Friendliness Contribute to a City’s Economic Development
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 11.14.07
Richard Florida quotes Wendy Waters in "All About Cities" noting that City planners and economic development specialists are spending increasing amounts of time trying to make their cities attractive to younger, educated workers and the companies that wish to hire them. She quotes Dave Atkins: "The bike component is a key feature for any city to achieve the kind of living balance that so many of us want these days. We don’t want to commute by car in from the suburbs. We want to be a part of where we live and work. The bike can really help that feeling of connectedness."
She concludes that " Being able to travel by bicycle somehow makes a giant metro area seem more friendly and relaxed. And, I agree could be a factor in attracting and retaining talented people".
Richard Florida thinks it is a "class" thing."To some, cyclists on skinny tired road bikes decked out in lycra are "rich folks." More than once people have by yelled nasty things at me, including questioning my sexual orientation. All in all, I take it as class anger and frustration, especially in places where class divides are stark." ::Richard Florida
I don't know if bicycle friendliness contributes to economic development, but if for sure makes for a happier city, which in my mind, is really all that matters. I have written several posts on the topic, inspired from my visit back home to Paris this summer. The Velib' initiative there has been tremendously successful. And a very fun way to get people to start thinking, and acting green.
marguerite manteau-rao
http://lamarguerite.wordpress.com
'It's All About Green Psychology'
test
I'm not sure I follow Florida's argument. I agree that "To some, cyclists on skinny tired road bikes decked out in lycra are 'rich folks'" because it shows they have the money to splurge on a nice road bike and lycra clothing. In the city though, I think one is more likely to see people on beat-up, second-hand road bikes dressed in street clothes on their way to work.
I can see how making the decision to ride a bike in the city can be a lifestyle choice, though, in which case, making a city bike-friendly might encourage more people to get on their bikes, not just those committed to one less car.
For an interesting perspective, I'd recommend the article "Invisible Riders" about immigrants in L.A. who bike out of necessity, often several hours a day.