In reading my morning paper, I noticed some wonderful news:
Let’s stop for a moment and celebrate.
Actually, let’s take another moment too… Ok, but seriously, according to The Huffington Post:
“The new policy is an extension of the Obama administration’s livability initiative, which regards the creation of alternatives to driving – buses, streetcars, trolleys and trains, as well as biking and walking – as central to solving the nation’s transportation woes.”
This is perhaps the most exciting thing that has come from President Obama thus far, in my opinion… right after being elected of course. One of my biggest problems with our country (and something that has been exacerbated since I now live so close to Portland) is the terrible public transportation that we have. This country, aside from Portland and Davis, CA is not very bike friendly, nor are there many resources for people who don’t want or can’t afford a car.
Granted, I accept I am a bit biased as I’ve spent a significant amount of time in Vienna, Austria, which has a completely wonderful, though probably not perfect, train system. If Obama and his administration truly want to make good on this promise, I will be very thankful for the changes that they will be implementing in this country. Perhaps these new initiatives will continue the wave of “change” that he’s sweeping the country with and we will be seeing more people on two wheels. One can only hope.
