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May/June 1994, p.4 World Traffic Report
London Gridlock A major new British study shows that car use and traffic in London have risen 24% over the last ten years, despite the loss of 300,000 London residents. Transportation officials are considering installing carpool lanes on the newly completed, but already car crammed M25 "orbital motorway." Sadly, walking and cycling tips have declined under the onslaught of new traffic. Copenhagen: Transit and Cycling First! In 1993, Copenhagen had 1096 less car traffic than in 1970! Twenty years ago, Copenhagen rejected new highways and began building an extensive network of bus lanes, and bicycle paths. The city's efforts paid off with an 8096 increase in cycling since 1980, and a shift away from cars. Today, one-third of commuters cycle, one-third take transit and only one third drive. Despite the impressive results, Copenhagen officials note that throughout the '70s car use actually increased, and cycling decreased, and that only a long term and comprehensive commitment to transit and cycling can get people out of their cars.
Swiss voters approved an initiative to halt all construction of major roads if they are intended to increase vehicle capacity. The far-reaching initiative, passed in February by 52 percent and a majority of cantons, also takes a stand against European freight trucks passing through Switzerland. Trucks crossing the Alps win be banned from Swiss highways within 10 years, thus redirecting freight to rail transport. The move was opposed by the government, on the grounds that it might violate European Economic Community terms prohibiting restrictions on the free movement of goods between countries. The initiative was passed under Switzerland's system of direct democracy.
In March, 34 European Cities joined together to work towards the gradual reduction of private cars in urban areas." We hope to hear more from them soon. Of course, it couldn't work in New York. Could it?
Over 500 police and 200 private security guards were needed to oust protestors opposed a $300 million connecting highway in East London earlier this year. The protestors cited the ecological and social impacts of the road. 'We will fight this development every inch of the way," said John Stewart Over 300 of the protesters had barricaded themselves into five Edwardian houses slated for demolition. Police began the eviction armed with crowbars and sledgehammers. One of the first arrested, Jean Gosling, 49, had been suspended from her job as a school crossing guard for joining the protest wearing her uniform. Protestors retrenched to properties further along the project's path. Me fight goes on," said Michelle Telford, 29, who had occupied a house in the village of Leytonstone. Outside the house was a sign "This house was once a home." |
A Tale Of Two Cities 
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