#walkablecities

I 🩵💚 Rivertown!

This was the first spot in the city I stayed when I came down to visit apartments with my mom nearly two years ago. I loved making coffee and strolling down to the river, admiring the tree-lined streets, and seeing all the developments in the old warehouses. There is still so much potential here, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in this neighborhood.

I took the 4 Woodward to the 9 Jefferson this morning to pick up some paper products, peanuts, and a vase for my patio at Dollar Tree, and stayed for a stroll! One of my favorite ways to enjoy the city is to implement a little bit of fun and exercise into my everyday errands.

I had a wonderful afternoon meeting my friend Melanie for coffee and a treat at Cannelle in Capitol Park.

I'm so excited to see her final production at the Detroit Opera House next weekend before she heads back to New York City- she will be missed here in Detroit!

Afterward, I strolled up Washington and picked up some Greenies for Kiko before heading home and picking up my bike! We are back in action!

Pedestrian Safety: How Fencing Improves Walkability in Urban Areas

The other week I received a message from Samantha Shriber, a political reporter at MIRSnews and host of the MIRS Monday podcast. She asked about my car-free life in Michigan and invited me on the show to discuss both my journey... and challenges.

It's so important to me that our government leaders in Michigan understand the need for safer streets, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and equitable transportation for all.

Just because we don't have a robust public transit system doesn't mean we don't want it.

After leaving transit-plentiful New York City and Boston, I never thought I would say I'd be approaching five car-free years in Michigan- ten total- in 2024.

Not only did I think living car-free in my home state would be impossible, I also didn't think the residents of Michigan cared. Oh, they care. After four years, I'm amazed by the advocacy I've witnessed. Back in 2019, I thought I'd be the only car-free person in my circle- today, I'm constantly surrounded by urbanists and environmental advocates who are putting in the work.

Whether it's creating more protected bike lanes, improving our bus system, or just choosing to leave the car at home and walk, Detroit has the potential to be a vibrant, walkable city. Although I'm doing what I can to destigmatize the use of public transportation and encourage walking, there is still a lot of heavy lifting.

We just have to dream it, and do it, together.

Listen to MIRS Monday on Apple Podcasts and Podbean.

I am on a mission to reduce the number of cars on the roads in Singapore. It was a sunny day last Saturday and I spent 30 minutes waiting for 145 to slowly find its way to the bustop just so I could make my way into Bugis.

After reading tonnes of comments on facebook on how a Singapore can reduce the number of cars on the road, suddenly it struck me. The HDB flats! The concept of owning a HDB flat is so clear and precise that prevents producing more than it needs.

So PM Lee Hsien Long, hear my thoughts (also gathered from suggestions I have came across in Facebook).

COE and car prices shall remain the same.

Owning a car SHOULD NOT be a privilege. Anyone who wants to own a car needs to register his/her IC to a car. And an individual can only register themselves to a single vehicle.

A vehicle can have a maximum of 4 users registered to it. However if you are Registered to Car A which is shared with 3 other people, you CANNOT register yourself to another car unless your COE have expired, with the car returned to the government.

The ownership of Cars will be split to 3 Category:

Individual Ownership

Group Ownership

Family Ownership

Work-dependent Ownership

1. Individual Ownership

This is when only one person is registered to a car. This individual pays full COE fee, together with the cost of the car. (I.E $100,000 + car) No government subsidy given because this jackass decided to take up so much space on the street.

2. Group Ownership

This is when a few people are registered to a car. This group pays full COE fee, together with the cost of the car. (I.E $100,000 + car) No government subsidy given to this Category.

3. Family Ownership

This is when a few people are registered to a car, like a family with small children or a family with more than 4. (I.E Father, Mother, Sister, Brother) This group is given a 40% Government Subsidy, upon the original COE. (I.E $60,000 + car).

4. Work Dependent Ownership

This is when a Car is purchase due to work, when it requires the individual to travel all day like delivering goods (using a car to drive to work and leave it parked from 9-5 does not count). This group is given a 20% Government Subsidy with some sort of work transport scheme, upon the original COE. (I.E $80,000 + car).

And with ALL the profits gains, use it to fund the Public Transport System.

Of course this is a rough idea, with room for improvements

That's right haters, carry on with the hate. THERE ARE TOO MANY CARS IN SINGAPORE.