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| -Signs, Portents, and the Weather- |
| Rain washes out 'car free' day in Seattle |
| 2008-08-25 |
| SEATTLE - Only in Seattle could an event touted as a way to help the environment get washed out during what is supposed to be the driest time of the year. Car-free days is part of Mayor Greg Nickels' campaign to encourage people to walk, bike or take mass transit. One neighborhood is closed off to car traffic during selected weekends this summer. On Sunday it was the area around 14th and Republican on Capitol Hill, a residential area that's normally quiet anyway. "I think it promotes awareness of whatever we're promoting awareness of," said resident Thomas Hubbard. That's the absolute most stupid comment I've read all year. No wonder Seattle is in such bad shape. "A car passes by every once in a while, just people trying to get home. And they don't know how to get home," said resident Matt O'Connor. They're out there somewhere between Mars and Jupiter trying to find their way home. Try a Garmin. "I think most people are scratching their heads. I've seen people move the signs and drive through anyway," said Hubbard. Fleas? With more police officers diverting traffic than actual people, the city decided to end the event two hours earlier. O'Connor said the idea was good in theory, "but in practice, it needs a little bit of work." Warp Drive is good in Theory. Adding insult to injury, the cars owned by some residents in the neighborhood were towed because the city wanted to clear the streets. Smooth move, Bugwits. Tow peoples' cars and they HAVE to take alternate transportation. Next weekend, car-free days moves to south Seattle. Rainier Avenue between Alaska and Orcas will be closed to car traffic during the afternoon. Sounds more like Intelligemce Free Days to me. |
| Posted by:Deacon Blues |
| #7 #2, all of those things should be paid for by bicycle riders through registration and plate fees. There ain't no free lunch. |
| Posted by: tipover 2008-08-25 19:16 |
| #6 and the only reason to go to KC is to watch the royals. |
| Posted by: bman 2008-08-25 17:53 |
| #5 But Seattle does have plastic bag free shopping (or pay 20cent bag fee/tax) i only go to Seattle for Mariner games or pass through to visit kids / grandkids; what a f-u place it has become. |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2008-08-25 14:07 |
| #4 CrazyFool, it already has gotten entertaining. It will only get more so. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2008-08-25 13:21 |
| #3 Next weekend, car-free days moves to south Seattle. Rainier Avenue between Alaska and Orcas will be closed to car traffic during the afternoon. I grew up in that area. Its been a [very] long time but Rainier Ave is a major aerial of the south end of the city between Seattle and Renton. That and This might get entertaining... |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2008-08-25 13:09 |
| #2 If you want people to use their bikes then carrot is a lot better than stick. 1. Showers at work. 2. Safe parking at work. 3. Decent (i.e. seperated) cycle lanes. 4. Look at the timings on Junctions. 5. Make "1 way" streets 2 ways for bikes only. 6. Clean Well maintained flat roads. 7. Secure monitored Bike parking at rail stations. 8. Advice on bikes. 9. Decent Bike shops. 10. Have free servicing days in spring to encourage people to get their bike out and use it safely. |
| Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2008-08-25 13:03 |
| #1 "I think it promotes awareness of whatever we're promoting awareness of," said resident Thomas Hubbard. Should be Obama's campaign slogan. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2008-08-25 13:01 |