Green highways? An idea for reusing "forgotten" country roads

3 posts / 0 new
Last post
reikiman
reikiman's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 months 1 week ago
Joined: Sunday, November 19, 2006 - 17:52
Points: 8447
Green highways? An idea for reusing "forgotten" country roads

There's a new article in Time: Off the Interstate: Turning 'Blue Highways' Green

The idea is that across the U.S.A. are side roads which were bypassed by the Interstate Highway System that are still there and underused. Some have proposals in the process to convert (?some of?) these side roads into some kind of green highway for EV's and bicycles. The Time article makes it sound similar to the "rails to trails" projects that convert old railroad lines into hiking and biking trails.

They point to small towns that used to be vitalized by the old highway system, but are largely abandoned and crumbling. They claim these small towns could have a resurgence.

It would take some laws to redesignate the roads to have a maximum 35 miles/hr speed limit. One thing they return to again and again are the "tens of thousands" of NEV's being sold, and how they could plausibly be used in the countryside if only the laws allowed them on the road.

The Time article claims the main page for the movement is: http://GreenInterstate.com/

TommyTexasRowlett
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 2 months ago
Joined: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 04:25
Points: 2
Re: Green highways? An idea for reusing "forgotten" country ...

Rails to trails is a terrible idea.

With climate change and the environment becoming toxic in more and more states across the country we need MORE rails not fewer.

I'd prefer us going the opposite direction: get rid of the interstate highway system and local freeways entirely. Build PRT lines and high speed rail lines interconnecting the states.

robert93
robert93's picture
Offline
Last seen: 8 years 1 month ago
Joined: Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 12:28
Points: 240
Re: Green highways? An idea for reusing "forgotten" country ...

Rail improvements would be good, but, existing commuter trains need to expand their services to include "ferry cars" for bicycles, recumbents, ev-scooters, or rails will still not help many, unless other mass transit is expanded to cover the destinations. People value highly their independence, rather than wait while the bus stops at every corner. The open road still has appeal.

Log in or register to post comments

Use code"Solar22" and enjoy 12% off for all solar Kits.


Who's online

There are currently 0 users online.

Who's new

  • eric01
  • Norberto
  • sarim
  • Edd
  • OlaOst

Support V is for Voltage