Building of big roads is seen as development but constructing useable cycle and walking paths is not, for instance. If safe spaces to walk and cycle, or accessible and convenient public transport existed then private vehicle markets would have become redundant.
Instead we are misled to believe that safe, comfortable and convenient transport is a private motorised vehicle. Why is the development of infrastructure only catering to the needs of the rich who can afford a car?
If public transport was strong and there were safe spaces to walk and cycle then why will people spend their life's earnings or take loans to buy private vehicles? Likewise when government education and health are strong, people opt for public services. But when public institutions become weak then private sector gets not only a foothold but a stronghold. Privatization has taken its toll - and worst hit are the people most in need and seldom served.
Even though few own cars still cars dominate our roads: Why?
According to Census 2011 data, people who own cars are not in majority but our road infrastructure (and road policy) is essentially geared to make car-owners' life convenient. Only 2.7% use cars, 3% use taxi or rickshaw, 3.5% use train, 11.4% use buses, 12.7% use bike/ scooter, 13.1% cycle, 22.6% walk and 30% do not travel (other modes of transport were 0.9% in 2011). Why will any government keep car owners happy unless the car industry is influencing such decisions?
Hope we remember that oft-quoted phrase that best city is not the city in which all own and use cars, but a city where even the richest uses public transport.
On individual level, we have to dissect market-based solutions that are being aggressively bombarded on us in multitude ways, to supposedly 'make our lives easy'. But often these market-based solutions are making lives miserable, not just for us, but also for others by damaging our planet.
On government level, we have to vote those in power who not only strengthen public systems for universal healthcare, education, transport, nutrition and social security but also de-normalize and hold problematic industries to account for deceptive marketing tactics.
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