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Editor: 

In Hank Resnik’s 1/7/02 opinion piece centered on his observation that a city in France “has refused to let private auto dominate everyday life” and suggests a similar “vision” for Berkeley, Resnick ignores the major elements of life in the French city he visited and the negative impact of his vision on Berkeley’s environment. Based on my/our observations of French cities, and my discussions with someone who was born and educated in the region, I think the following are relevant: 

Most European cities manage autos, they don’t wish they would go away. Large parking structures are abundant and their existence allows redefinition of other parts of their cities. In France the abundance of small bakeries, food and produce vendors and stores allows most residents to enjoy a lifestyle that is “daily” oriented and thus shop almost daily by bicycle or on foot. By contrast, in Berkeley as well as the rest of the U.S.A we have “Supermarkets,” which have developed such innovations as the “six pack.” Needless to say this promotes “weekly” shopping and use of the car. The growing absence of local resources in Berkeley has increased and will continue to promote more auto traffic as residents drive to surrounding cities to shop. The restriction of autos will further accelerate the decline in local businesses and increase auto traffic. Not managing parking the way they do in Europe, merely increases miles driven and the sad fact is that a parked car doesn’t pollute Berkeley’s air, but the car cursing to find a parking space does.  

In letters from others it has been noted that the “car-reduction” measures in the current General Plan existed in the prior General Plan, however the next effect over time has been to increase the number of cars in Berkeley. 

We have hated cars and parking and the situation has decayed. We must manage cars and parking so our streets are safe for all and the net number of miles driven is reduced. We can get some relief from simple actions such as encouraging if not organizing “car pooling” for shopping not only reduces the “one passenger” shopping trips, but induce neighbors to find ways to further cooperate to reduce local traffic.  

John Cecil 

via e-mail