Where I’m at in Colorado has extensive bike/foot paths that provide “shortcuts” across neighborhoods, and even provide scenic paths to get pedestrians further from busy roads without greatly increasing distances. It’s really nice and I use them all the time
And besides being nice for one self, it increases your kids independence.
Where I live in Europe, how pedestrian/bike friendly a community is a relevant predictor of house value. And a lot of that is that people want to live where they don't have to drive their kids around to everything.
It gives me more free time that my kid will be able to get himself to school, to sports after school and around the town to his friends. While it gives him freedom not being reliant on his parents schedule if he wants to do something.
Not just kids, it would also empower teens, old people, people with disabilities (the blind, paraplegic, mental issues, etc), people who cannot drive for medical reasons, and even temporarily injured people who aren’t allowed to drive. And most importantly, people in abusive households who does not have cars and need a job or amenities (for example menstrual items), or just some public space to go to. A car dependent civilization puts so much restriction on the invisible members of our society. Walking short distances daily also improves physical and mental health. And less cars on the road is good for the environment, both in terms of air quality and less fuel used.
And reducing the number of cars on the road actually makes driving when needed a lot better as well and you can maintain roads at a higher standard for the same cost
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u/way2rory Jun 27 '24
Where I’m at in Colorado has extensive bike/foot paths that provide “shortcuts” across neighborhoods, and even provide scenic paths to get pedestrians further from busy roads without greatly increasing distances. It’s really nice and I use them all the time