In December, gas prices hit a 2-year high nearing the $3/gallon mark, and experts are expecting more increases with speculation of $4/gallon by summer and, according to former CEO of Shell $5/gallon by 2012.  It was only two years ago that we hit the $4 mark and DART experienced it’s highest ridership levels ever.  People who live in cities that have developed in a compact fashion with most needs in walkable/bikeable distance will be less impacted by the increases, while Dallas and other sun-belt cities will feel the pinch.

Fortunately, our city is moving forward with its 2011 bike plan, and with the recent opening of DART’s green line, and the development of the electric streetcar into North Oak Cliff, plans are being made to ease the burden on residents.  Though it’s not ideal, higher gas prices allow us to reevaluate our development patterns and create a need to look back at how cities were originally developed for greater access, use, and livability. This year we will see the oldest of the baby-boomer generation turn 65 (BB’s make up 26% of the population) , with 10,000 expected to retire per day for the next 19 years.  As this generation ages, it will drive and spend less. High energy prices can and will expedite the need to reevaluate sustainability and quality of life. An opportunity exists for us look to the future and develop based on smart growth principals. 2011 holds much promise for our city if we can rapidly develop infill solutions and move away from larger roads and structures.

(photos from copenhagencyclechic.com)

The AARP released a poll whose findings noted that Americans ages 50+ are trying to move away from car transportation as a result of high gas prices, but their attempt to go “green” is challenged by inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes. The full article is located here.

Traditionally, losing one’s ability to drive has meant an end to freedom and self sufficiency.  When my wife’s grandfather was told to stop driving in his 80’s he soon became a prisoner in his own home until someone was able to chaperone him to the grocery store.  Though he was able to walk for another 10 years, acquiring something as simple as a gallon of milk became a burden. Had we developed his surroundings properly, he would have been able to comfortably walk out his door and down the sidewalk for his needs, but this form of infrastructure was zoned away. Our seniors are a key component to a healthy community, and when they are marginalized by life at the outer edges, a neighborhood loses its “eyes on the street” and the natural trade of information that occurs when older generations are allowed everday contact with youth. In 2011, we should all work to make a city worth growing up and growing old in.