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bodaciousboner t1_jdk3aw4 wrote

Reply to comment by Magisterbrown in Why Worcester drivers are so awful: Your theories and musings by Itchy_Rock_726

Serious question so I don’t mean to come off as a dick; I work in public transportation and am intrigued- what exactly is this group doing to try and enact change?

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Magisterbrown t1_jdk4itq wrote

Honestly, we're still very much figuring out what we want to and/or actually can do, but the goal in meeting right now is to discuss how we can make Worcester more friendly to those who cannot drive a car (due to finances, health, age, etc) and those who would like options in mobility besides cars.

There are many "urbanism" YouTube channels out lately, perhaps the most popular being Not Just Bikes. If you're interested in urbanism and making cities work for people first instead of cars, consider looking into NJB and StrongTowns. Their videos are less engaging but they are the actual body doing research and activism.

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bodaciousboner t1_jdk5a62 wrote

Excellent, thanks for the info. Just my two cents but I go up to Killington, VT often, and they offer a free shuttle that the restaurants on Killington Access Rd. rotate operating. Maybe the water district and Shrewsbury st could operate something similar? Obv that’s more of a restaurant/nightlife focus, but every bit counts.

Maybe get restaurants/bars to participate in a discount program. Show us you rode share here/took public transportation and get $5 off you tab. Idk just spitballing.

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Magisterbrown t1_jdls4zm wrote

All good ideas. Everything seems daunting because our whole world is so "car brained"

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Turbulent_Leg6503 t1_jdkprr9 wrote

I would love to cycle places. Only reason I don’t is the drivers

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Magisterbrown t1_jdls23n wrote

If we had protected bike lanes or bike infrastructure separate from cars tons of people would use it.

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bodaciousboner t1_jdlyutn wrote

Same. Feel like that’s a legit death wish around here though

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Duderbot t1_jdmywnk wrote

Seeing bikes on the roads in this city makes me anxious driving around. I wish there were bike lanes instead of off street parking everywhere. I feel like that isn't going to happen with all of those new parking meters that have been installed all over the place, though.

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Duderbot t1_jdmxtqf wrote

The make up of the city council is going to be a roadblock to your ideas. Your best bet is to find candidates to challenge and replace the city councilors that will stop modernization of this city.

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Magisterbrown t1_jdn654y wrote

Yeah. We've heard that the city council is powerless, overworked and apathetic.

As an aside, I'm pushing back against your use of "modernization." I don't think that tearing down homes to build roads is 'progress'.

But maybe you're using "modern" in the sense of 1950s-ish aesthetic/mindset.

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Duderbot t1_jdn7qlv wrote

The last statement you made is what I meant. Modernization isn't a great term but I really didn't want to come out the gate being overly aggressive. The bottom line is this - there are people on the city council who will not do something if it benefits working class to poor people in this city. Especially, if they aren't white.

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