In working for a traffic management plan for its downtown that balances the needs of residents with those of commuters and shoppers, Traverse City is at the leading edge of a national trend. It's not working well. It's leading to unbelievable traffic congestion. It's degrading the quality of life. It's resulting in neighborhoods we don't really want to live in.
Cars are important.
We all use them. At the same time though, we need to start adding some other choices for people. What has surprised highway builders is how much traction such views have gained in Washington and state capitals. The law describes where and how to invest federal taxpayer dollars for roads, bus and rail programs, bicycle and pedestrian trail systems, land use planning, and environmental protection. These include building light rail lines, adding and improving urban and suburban bus service, and constructing bike paths.