According to the
Bureau of Transportation Services, in 2008, there were 255,917,664 registered vehicles in the United States of America. The U.S. population that year, as reported by the U.S.
Census Bureau was 304,059,724. That means only 48 million Americans, only 15% of the entire population in 2008, was car-less.
15%
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What does this have to do with a blog about international travel? Well, it all began when I spoke with my father earlier today and told him about my car wreck last night. While I sat distraught, he told me over the phone to thank the heavens that no one was hurt and that really it was just cheap metal and plastic that was lost. He went on to tell me that I am just one accident of many in our poor-designed, car-dependent nation. And while his words initially rolled over me like water on a duck, later I began wondering if he was right . . .
The U.S. is truly car-dependent. I have been attempting to read bus schedules and figure out a route to get from my house in the Northeast Heights to Downtown for work. 50 minutes just to head west on Lomas, and then I have to walk an additional 6 blocks. And just as I was beginning to disregard that option as a possibility, in less than 24 hours, I have had 3 friends offer me one of their cars - which I am very grateful for, but also makes me wonder: Why is it we cannot imagine life without a vehicle?
Albuquerque is composed principally of one-story buildings and spreads out for miles. With a poor bus system, no trains or subways, and few bike-friendly lanes, citizens are left with the option to . . . drive. According to an article released by Bicycling Magazine and later published in the Huffington Post, Albuquerque, NM is ranked # 17 for the
Top 50 Most Bike Friendly Cities in the U.S. Yet, ask bikers here, and they might not agree. Our city ranks high because we live in a desert with more than our share of empty space. While it is true we do have many so-declared "bike trails," these designated bike routes largely run along arroyos where cars can't even go. But, to be called a friendly bike city in reference to commuting daily to work through city streets?! HA!
So biking is not the best option. Bussing is certainly not the most time-saving route. And as for driving, well, my vehicle is currently a pile of carnage for the car junkies to pick off pieces like vultures.
In conclusion, how I get to work Saturday morning is still up for debate. What's certain though, is the U.S. has a car addiction problem. With further research, the number 15% becomes even more appalling.
In 2008 (to keep things consistent), as recorded by the World Bank, there were 6,697,254,041 people in the world. There were also
806 million cars. Which calculates to be 87.9% of people in the world are car-less.
87.9% vs. 15%
Is our nation set up for mishaps - in the way it's civically designed, and from its dependence on vehicles? And globally, are we set up for disaster with the 260 billion gallons of petrol burned every year just on automobiles?
I've often said to those who worry about my safety abroad, that it's more likely to get in a car accident in the U.S. than something happening to me in Antigua, Guatemala or El Valle, Panama. Although I deeply wish I didn't need to prove it for real.
