“Bike Partisanship!” Proposals to Make Hartford a More Livable Community

- By Erin Bourgault, CTLCV Summer Intern from Bates College. erin.bourgault@ctlcv.org

U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) held an open forum on Monday, June 28^th on Livable Communities and the Hartford “One City, One Plan” and iQuilt proposals, with special guest Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Chairman of the Livable Communities Task Force. These proposals are a great example of what could happen if the Senate passes Senator Dodd’s Livable Communities Act, which would encourage local, regional, and federal sustainable development.

Hartford’s plans should set an example for the rest of the state of Connecticut towards urban planning, improving transportation and housing options, and protecting the environment. The proposals include goals to revitalize downtown Hartford and enhance its role as a cultural center, as well as connect people to the city by improving mobility and coordinating multimodal transport.

The major focus of iQuilt, the “Capitol District Vision Plan and Hartford’s Pathways of Innovation,” is to create a Greenwalk between Bushnell Park and the riverfront, as well as a “Connecticut Square” outdoor festival and performing arts space to make Hartford a friendlier and more welcoming environment.

Although Hartford is a compact district, many people drive throughout the city. By improving streets so they are enjoyable, walkable and bike-able, citizens can become less dependent on cars. The new proposal includes a connection to Union Station in order to enhance the use of public transportation in Hartford.

Transportation is the second largest expense for American households, ahead of food, clothing, and healthcare.

The American Public Transportation Association estimates that families with access to good public transportation can save an average of $9,000 per year in transportation costs compared to households with no transit access.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer strongly supports improving transportation options; he said it is important to give people more choices in how they live, work, and move. According to Congressman Blumenauer, incorporating a “rich mixture of housing options” is essential to engaging people, as well as decreasing congestion and air pollution. By using phrases such as “bike partisanship,” Congressman Blumenauer stated that cycling is a tool to bring people together and the most efficient form of urban traveling.

Improving transportation options in Connecticut would do more than decrease traffic congestion; it would improve quality of life throughout the state.