Re: Keep your eyes open.
jamesholland wrote:
IS THIS THE MISSING LINK TO CURB SPRAWL?
I have my doubts...
Why would a technology that allows people increased mobility suddenly encourage the building of more compact development? If anything, the history of the automobile's effect on society leads me to suspect that SHTs may encourage sprawl (admittedly with less visible drawbacks).
Could developers start using an argument like "sure you can't walk to the corner store, but you can hop on your SHT and that's just as good, isn't it?" as justification to continue building sprawling subdivisions?
I think the SHT will be great in suburban areas, and where it isn't too hard to provide the infrastruture to accommodate them (e.g. on existing bike paths, trails, etc.). I can't see them weaving around the heavy pedestrian flows we get on our downtown sidewalks - no matter how good the rider is.
Unless we start restricting use of the automobile in favour of SHTting (e.g. auto-free developments), I don't think we will see a reduction in sprawl brought about by this technology.
Oh yes, and bturk - can add one more to your list...the garage now becomes the SHThole.