Personally, I’m excited to be someone who is making sacrifices to use other means of transportation to conserve energy. I’m not really someone to go all the way when it comes to recycling, but it’s embarrasing to be an American under the leadership of George Bush who has swayed the focus of the war. At the same time, I’m proud to be a Seattleite under the leadership of Mayor Greg Nickels who has campaigned for a Car Free Days event which will open streets to pedestrians and cyclists.
For those of you who are concerned about our transportation and considering moving to the downtown area, South Lake Union is making a difference with their new Propel Biofuel gas station. One local Realtor also blogged about a new Woonerf by NBBJ Architects which will promote more foot traffic.
Those who still seem to have an excuse also seem to be causing problems for those of us making the change. Today, the Seattle Times reported that the city is considering a fine for those who are moving people’s scooters to make room for thier vehicle.
It’s an odd phenomenon, brought on by the rising popularity of scooters and the dwindling availability of parking spaces in Seattle. Moving a little 150-pound scooter just a few feet over to make room in a prime parking spot has proved too tempting for some desperate motorists, leaving scooters vulnerable to damage and undeserved tickets.
If I caught anyone moving my motorcycle, they’d be getting a lot more than a ticket!
Additionally, another article by the P.I. reported a few days ago states that an approximate amount of 300 new bike racks will be added per year which would double the current amount by 2017. The article ends with an interviewee saying he’s lost 2 bikes from thieves unbolting the sides of the bike racks. Hopefully the city will consider a new rack to avoid this from happening. I’ve actually had a bike stolen while paying a parking ticket at the courthouse on 5th Avenue downtown.
On the other hand, I can somewhat sympathize for those who don’t have a long board, bicycle, motorcycle, Segway Transporter, etc. and their only transportation is Joe Metro. Metro can’t seem to catch up to the increased number of riders by having to leave several waiting, but I was just asked by a homeless person to use my cell phone on the bus the other day. When I refused, I was cursed at.
I sold my Lincoln and started making the effort of using public transportation, riding my long board, and driving my motorcycle this year. Since then, I’ve noticed much more concern for our means of transportation. I’ve done so based on reasons for the war, and because I’m a downtown area Realtor. I’m not sure what the majority reason is, but I just hope it lasts throughout the other 9 months of the year when it rains.
seattle 
