Brad Hanson wrote:
> I'll throw in a few points and questions
> because I'd be interested in list members' reactions.
>
> 1. My impression is that it is ultimately impossible to develop a public
> transport mode that even approximates the convenience of private transport
> (I exclude European cities from this generalisation, obviously).
This is my impression too, even in Europe (where you can exclude some
*cities* from this generalisation, but not the rural areas), and I say
this as a bicycling advocate without a car. However, the clou is that
"private transport" is more than just gas-guzzlers! It can be bicycles
or other human-powered vehicles, possibly aided by electrical engines
for longer distances or to carry cargo:
- Battery-aided E-Bikes and small E-Cars already exist on the market
(see e.g. www.swiss-flyer.com and www.twike.ch)
- For the future, the most promising approach for alternative propulsion
is fuel-cells. Prototypes of fuel-cell driven bicycles, boats and
small cars already exist -- presented at the European Fuel Cell Forum
last July in Lucerne, Switzerland (www.efcf.com). The EFCF calculated
that solar panels of the size 100km x 100km in the Sahara desert (which
is only a tiny part of it!) would be enough to cover all energy
consumption of mankind.
> 2. Based on (1), this admitted assumption of mine has meant that any move
> (enforced or voluntary) on the part of we mere mortals to sustainable
> transportation entails a lifestyle sacrifice, i.e. less free time at home
> as we stand in queues on railway platforms, slog home on the sidewalk, or
> wait at bus stops.
Even without an engine, bicycles are the fastest mode of transport
within towns. Since 30-50% of all short trips are still done by car,
there's a big potential of switching to sustainable transport AND
gaining time! (For a bike there's no such thing as a traffic jam.)
> 3. While I agree in principle with making energy prices reflect the
> environmental costs, how would you handle it in reality? In Sydney (and
> all the Australian capitals), we would be basically rendering it impossible
> for hundreds of thousands of workers in far flung suburbs to commute. What
> is to happen to them? A 50 km pushbike commute every day is very difficult
> for all but elite athletes. The public transport system would be
> hopelessly overwhelmed
A 50 km commute is no big deal on a fuel-cell-powered bicycle or Twike.
(And a bit of physical exercise could only benefit Australians, see the
Australian report "Pedalling Health -- health benefits of a modal
transport shift" at http://sciweb.science.adelaide.edu.au/sundries/ph.nsf).
Australia definitely has enough sunshine/deserts to produce more than
enough renewable energy for fuel-cells.
Cheers,
Chris
