The Examiner calls out the DOE as part of it's daily outrage.
WHO: Department of Energy
WHAT: The department has given Columbus, Ohio, $490,000 in stimulus money for bike shelters, bike lockers and bike parking in downtown garages.
WHY IT'S AN OUTRAGE: Less than 1 percent of the city's residents even ride bikes.
Maybe that's why they want to add bike facilities.
WHERE TO VENT: Call the Department of Energy at 202-586-5000.
I wonder how much Columbus will spend on car parking over the same period. Also, while only 0.9% ride bikes to work, I'm sure more people than that ride bikes, even if you limit it to just transportational cyclists. Columbus is kind of a college town if you aren't aware. College students don't show up in commute stats.
The Examiner needs to condsider the question: If there were no parking garages downtown what percentage of people would drive to work?
Posted by: John | November 25, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Or if tax money didnt go to roads etc....
Posted by: SJE | November 25, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I called the number & they said they were just for complaints, not for kudos. They directed me to the PR office who directed me to the efficiencies office who directed me somewhere else. I haven't tried that number yet, but if I get back to it, I'll let you know.
Posted by: microzen | November 25, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Now if only DOE had bike lockers at their HQ in the Forrestal building...
Posted by: Anonymous | November 25, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Washcycle raises a good point about students. Students are not counted in many stats, as they are supposedly "transient." This is shortsighed
1. Most programs are 3+ years. Doctoral prgrams are usually 5+. Given that the average american moves every 5 years (according to a 2001 article), the students population should not really be considered "transient"
2. The numbers of students can be a very significant proportion of population and economic activity in a region, and especially a "college town." Even in DC, it is pretty clear in some areas (e.g. G'town) when school is back.
Posted by: SJE | November 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Students are counted in the census. I filled out census forms in 1980 when I lived in a dorm at the University of Michigan.
But I don't know if a trip to school is measured in the same way as a trip to work. Probably not.
Posted by: Richard Layman | November 26, 2009 at 07:11 AM
That's what I meant. Students don't count as bike commuters, because the question is "how do you get to work".
Posted by: Washcycle | November 26, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Yeah, because you don't take up any road space or parking when you drive to school: you just magically teleport. Same with the tens of thousands of parents shuttling kids to school, soccer practice, or whatever.
Posted by: SJE | November 27, 2009 at 12:11 PM