Two Things Today

Moncton, NB - Micah - Wednesday, April 26th, 2006 : goo

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1. I finally saw my first SmartCar here in Moncton! So far this semester I have been discouraged by the one or two Hummers I have seen on the roads, but continued to keep my eyes open for some smarter motorists in this small city. Finally, today, on my way home from campus, I was rewarded by the sight of a cute, little, black, fuel-efficient SmartCar. On an impulse, I started pedalling harder in an effort to keep up with it. As luck would have it, the car turned into a street in a nearby neighbourhood and I managed to catch up just as its occupants were getting out. I was out of breath but I managed to tell them- I think without freaking them out too much- that they had just made my day. (Actually it had been a pretty good day but that was a nice crowning moment.) They were quite friendly and welcoming, and informed me that there are two or three other SmartCars in the city. Hurrah! With the recent furor in Monkeytown over the recent decision to install bike lanes in my neighbourhood (guess what the average suburbanite's opinion is on that one), it is nice to see some people who are in favour of change.

2. I don't know if anyone else on here has mentioned this yet, but Jane Jacobs died today. If you are not familiar with that name, it is thanks to her that many cities are as nice and intelligently-organised as they are. Without Jacobs, a lot of cities would have a lot more freeways running through them. She campaigned, protested, spoke out, and generally acted out: against stupid decisions made by cities; for smart choices to make nicer, healthier urban communities. I know that as soon as I get back to Edmonton (6 days!) and the majority of my book collection (and bike collection), I will take up my still-unread copy of Dark Age Ahead and read it.

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colavito's ghost: we love you, jane.

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