| "...but I think it is the natural steps to get used to a car-centric world." there in lies the problem... why does china think it needs to transform into a 'car-centric' type of world? why not design/plan cities to be more 'pedestrian-centric'? why not be more innovative/forward thinking when laying out a city and encourage people to live where they work or work where they live? build the city around public transportation and public spaces. i just got back from shanghai and fell in love with the city because it is still very much a walking city. unfortunately i saw the changes occuring as well... i'm not saying the automobile isn't important... however it shouldn't be the FIRST mode of tranportation. going long distances, a car is definitely needed... but going a few blocks? the chinese should learn from the western mistakes instead of copying it. pudong is a perfect example where they have failed in my opinion... very car-centric. having said that... yes it is important to educate on the 'rules' of the road. however, it is equally important to educate on the affects such 'car centric' thinking has on society and the environment. educate in the benefits of public transportation or carpooling. walk, ride a bike, take public transportation/carpool, take a taxi... and as a last option... drive. of course, in reality, such fundamental shifts in thinking won't occur in my lifetime... it's sad watching it occur in china. (bike lanes being removed to widen roads or make parking spaces, superhighways built, banning bicycles/scooters from some roads, etc...) |
Traffic in Shanghai