I learned all my tough lessons about riding in the street in Baton Rouge, a college town where people were notoriously rude and disrespectful to cyclists. I had concerns about riding in a big town like Dallas, but I have to say that riding here is far superior.
My office has facilities for cyclists and alternative commuters including bike racks, changing rooms, lockers and showers. However, in an office of 300 people and in a firm that is dedicated to being green, only about 5 people regularly commute by bike. This is regretful because most of the young interns and architects live within 3 miles of the building. There is a DART rail station and bus transfer station three blocks away, and several bus lines that pass within one block past the community college.
I think at the last count our firm had over 70 LEED AP's, and since I am not one of them, that means that at best, only 4 of those LEED AP's actually makes use of alternative or public transportation.
I say it's time to put up or shut up. If you want to claim to be green, and become green employee of the month, why not try to leave the car parked in the garage for a month. Try walking or riding a bike or taking public transportation. I hate having to listen to designers bitch and moan about Dallas and how it doesn't compare to other urban experiences. I especially hate how they worship rails and eschew buses, and then make use of neither. Want to get around without a car? THEN DO IT! Haircut? Rail to Cityplace. Movie? Rail to Park Lane or Mockingbird Station. Groceries? Rail, bike, or walk! There are convenient bus lines everywhere! Or if you have a bike, it's pretty easy to get to a destination or a rail station.
Please, no more lectures on public transportation, cycling or bike lanes in Dallas until you have tried them out.
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