The new proposal for DPW projects, is again a complete emphasis on traffic flow. Specifically, the city wants to spend $1.6 million on traffic flow in Mid City. Presumably (I can't find the actual proposal) they will replace a good portion of traffic lights with updated camera operated lights. The idea in general isn't a horrible idea (assuming they will keep their trend of installing pedestrian signals), because we all know the signals in Mid City are in sad shape. But I just see it as another focus on traffic flow and not the entire picture. The more we move traffic, the more traffic will want to move. This shouldn't be the goal. The goal should be to minimize trips needed, which saves money on infrastructure, reduces traffic, and keeps shopping local. And yet again, I can reduce the cost of my automobile. While I support the projects downtown (although the proposal spends $3 million on a park that was just recently built), it would be nice to have non-exclusive traffic infrastructure projects taking place inside the neighborhoods.
There are lots of Federal grant opportunities out there. Combining this buying power with the local monies found for traffic flow improvement would create an awesome plan for Government Street.
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Absolutely agreed. We, the people of Baton Rouge, must change our focus from moving cars to moving people. Only then will the City-Parish see the need to actually create the infrastructure making it possible to walk, bicycle, and ride transit at least as easily as driving.
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