We are a culture who is reliant on the automobile, and changing this is the only real long-term solution to grid lock. This is a problem that will not go away overnight. If we are to change our dependence on cars, then we have to look to many areas for different improvements. We need to work on having comparable jobs for commuters in Sebastopol, encourage at home businesses, and provide as many of the needed services right here in our city. We need to have a city shuttle for more than the seniors, bicycle lanes to encourage safe alternatives, and safe crosswalks.
Many solutions together are our only hope for a successful reduction of auto-trips.
I propose a bicycle incentive program for local schools and businesses, which gives credit for school kids and tax breaks for businesses. We can have other low-cost incentive programs such as a raffle for participants. Essentially, our city must put the needs of its residents before the needs of out of city automobiles and trucks. We have chosen high density for a reason, so we can walk talk, shop and eat in a comfortable and diverse setting. With traffic as bad as it is, it is not only too difficult to drive, but dangerous and too difficult to walk.