DarioNov 16, 2022

I didn’t realize that the Dutch fought for their bike lanes. There’s a lot of history within this that I’m currently naive about but excited to learn!

Here’s the article I’m starting with — How the Dutch got Their Cycle Paths: https://www.pps.org/article/how-the-dutch-got-their-cycle-paths

#bikes #urbanism

'How the Dutch Got Their Cycle Paths'

The extensive cycling infrastructure of the Netherlands didn't happen by magic. It was the result of a lot of hard work, including massive street protests and very deliberate political decision-making.

Show threadPeteNov 17, 2022
@dariohudon
I've thought a lot about the differences between the US and the Netherlands, and it seems like the presence of the American auto industry is a huge factor. The large US auto industry successfully lobbied hard against safe streets both locally and nationally, and crushed grassroots movements. The Netherlands lacked such a powerful auto industry, and grassroot safety movements didn't have to face such fierce and well-funded opposition.
Show threadJoostNov 20, 2022
@forpeterssake @dariohudon The opposition was fierce enough though! It was a decades-long struggle, against entrenched political resistance
Show threadDarioNov 20, 2022

@almodozo @forpeterssake Do you remember what the arguments against it were?

I wonder where those who opposed it are today? And especially, what they think of it now?

Show threadPeteNov 21, 2022

@dariohudon @almodozo
Do you mean the arguments against safe streets in the Netherlands, or in the US?

I think in both countries, there was this narrative of the automobile being "the future," and walking or biking was portrayed as antiquated and backward. I think that was 50% natural optimism for new technologies, and 50% advertising spin by auto manufacturers that realized they could create a massive market if they convinced everyone that they needed a car and destroyed the alternatives.

Show threadDario

@almodozo @forpeterssake Indon’t think I’v ever read a more succinct and salient explanation of ‘why’.

Usually, it’s covered solely with negativity but your addition of our optimism for new technologies is something we, as humans, have suffered multiple times ie. social media.

As someone in marketing, our role when creating markets exchanges a positive for a negative ie. diamonds and social pressure, vehicles and the negative appeal for alternatives

1/

Nov 21, 2022 at 3:16pmWeb
Show threadDarioNov 21, 2022

@forpeterssake @almodozo You’ve got me thinking in a perspective now and I’m fascinated.

Optimism as a problematic approach. An all or nothing focus that steals an important piece of ourselves, green space, compassion…

I’m sure it’s been discussed but I’m curious what this is called? And how many times we’ve done it as a society.

Thanks for this Pete ☺️🙌