443 upvotes, 6 direct replies (showing 6)
View submission: Improving walkability cost me an election
This is a major problem even in big cities. Anything anti-car (aka pro-pedestrian and pro-transit) causes intense negative emotion from people who dont have critical thinking abilities. Very sad. You did the right thing.
Comment by alamare1 at 11/11/2024 at 10:10 UTC
117 upvotes, 2 direct replies
This is definitely a problem in major cities. We’ve been trying to improve walkability and do major structural improvements in Minneapolis, MN and it’s done nothing but piss everyone off (no matter the chances have caused crime to drop and businesses to improve).
The biggest thing I’ve heard so far is businesses (almost always bars or restaurants owned by boomer/genx) suddenly hating that they are no longer the most popular in an area because the other shops are more accessible.
Comment by meowisaymiaou at 11/11/2024 at 18:23 UTC
37 upvotes, 1 direct replies
SF was the same. After part of I 305 collapsed, the mayor chose to tear the entire interstate down rather than rebuild.
Chinatown was against it, claiming they needed the off ramps to survive.
People claimed it would destroy the city.
Without the interstate it will be a traffic nightmare.
City elected officials nearly all voted out.
Once torn down, and began being built out: Chinatown increased in business. Walking paths and bike use increased. Previous "unusable " under interstate space was now being filled with new business. Ferry use and access improced (no longer walking under dark interstates). New street car lines and business lanes improved access from the light rail and subway stations. The traffic nightmare didn't materialize. Tourism increased.
Overall, it transformed the east end. A major success. But, yes, until results were seen, people did not want it at all. Everyone wanted a faster horse, not a new car.
https://www.soulofamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SF-Embarcadero_Ferry_Plaza.jpg
https://imgur.com/san-francisco-before-after-embarcadero-highway-came-down-k76qWFO
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fzass_wLGCU/sddefault.jpg
Comment by PhileasFoggsTrvlAgt at 11/11/2024 at 16:23 UTC
15 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Also this was terrible timing for this official. Regardless if what the end configuration looks like, a major construction project is going to suck for the neighbors. If the project finished in August, the voters have had to endure all of the construction distribution, but hadn't had time to realize any benefits before voting.
Comment by manchesterisbell at 11/11/2024 at 06:45 UTC
45 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Thanks. I never had had to do the job (I have a career, our elected officials are part time), I just really really enjoyed it. Specifically to do things like this. So it hurts. But there’s no way I’d not do this project.
Comment by mightbearobot_ at 11/11/2024 at 13:12 UTC
24 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Tbh people who lack critical thinking abilities are everything wrong with the country, not just big cities lol
Comment by ChicagoJohn123 at 11/11/2024 at 16:32 UTC
-8 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Saying that anyone who disagrees with you doesn’t have critical thinking abilities is a great way for walkability advocates to keep losing elections.
