First impressions from our man in America: cars are everywhere

Created: 2009-11-17

Author:Wan Lixin

AFTER settling down in Arlington, Virginia, we decided to explore our environment a little on foot.

The weather here was much warmer than we expected (that was before Hurricane Ida), though the fallen leaves - yellow, red, and brown - gave broad hints of the approaching winter, which we are told can be harsh.

As most locals depend on cars for mobility, we decided to walk on a nearby jogging and biking trail, but as a group of walkers we could not but be conspicuous, even on this trail. People were either jogging or pedaling vigorously, as in an oversized fitness center, and it seemed that only people incapable of jogging or pedaling were walking.

Most of the time the trail ran parallel to roadways and rail, and sometimes the trail clings so close to the motorway that it only allows single file.

Sauntering down the trail is not as carefree as I had thought. The trail was so heavily traveled that we had to keep to the right in the narrow lane, and be constantly on the lookout for bicyclists coming from behind us.

Nation of cars

Obviously, this nation's reliance on cars leaves very little room for alternative means of mobility. Buses are not seen very much. So far no one has advised us to take a bus to any place, nor have I tried any one.

Weekends are designated shopping days, made easier with a coach hired for us.

We have used the Metro subway a dozen times, and will use it regularly during the next two months. The stations are spacious, the transit from one color (designating a specific line) to another is almost effortless, thus I cannot explain the low ridership for Washington's subway system that is the envy of other cities. It is easy to find seats during rush hour.

Some blamed this on rising unemployment, and it was reported recently that the Metro operating authority is hinting at fare hikes to make up for operating losses.

But a more plausible explanation is that the Metro is vastly inadequate to cover the often considerable distance between office and home. Or is it merely because we are talking in reference to the Metro in Shanghai?

In my previous articles, I have made the point time and again that car-dependent societies have no future, and my limited experience here has already confirmed that the US is incurably car-dependent.

But I must confess that there are some mitigating circumstances for Americans drivers.

Better manners

Here I am temporarily spared of the torture of hearing the perpetual electronic anti-theft sirens from cars and motorbikes that are common in Shanghai. And I have not heard drivers using their horn a lot.

Some cars stopped for me to cross while I was on still the curbs, and that is probably not due to the heavy fine facing those drivers who turn right on red without yielding to passengers in crosswalks.

But as our guide told us on the day we arrived, it is dangerous for pedestrians to assume too much when crossing the street. Motor vehicles everywhere are lethal weapons.

USA Today reported last Tuesday (November 10) that "some communities are working to curtail sudden, puzzling increases in pedestrian traffic deaths while safety advocates urge states to spend more federal transportation dollars on sidewalks, crosswalks and safety programs for walkers and bicyclists." So far money has gone mostly to projects aimed at accommodating more vehicle traffic.

Experts believe rising obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes are just some of the consequences of depending on autos and not getting enough exercise.

On Wednesday the same paper, in an article titled "A lean, green transit machine," says that in Newark, Delaware state, pedicabs, adult-sized tricycles with room in the back for passengers, have gone from the occasional tourist attraction to a more prominent means of public transportation..."

The caption for the accompanying photo: "Not China - Newark, Del."

Which reminded me of the pedicabs on the Bai and Su embankments in Hangzhou, that have long been replaced by mechanized transport.

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