Rephrase the Problem

Einstein’s Secret to Amazing Problem Solving's first step is to rephrase the problem;

Words carry strong implicit meaning and, as such, play a major role in how we perceive a problem. In the example above, ‘be productive’ might seem like a sacrifice you’re doing for the company, while ‘make your job easier’ may be more like something you’re doing for your own benefit, but from which the company also benefits. In the end, the problem is still the same, but the feelings — and the points of view — associated with each of them are vastly different.

I've been struggling to talk about transportation without using the tired old bikes vs. cars terminology. For me this isn't about bike vs. cars. It's about everyone reaching their transportation goals and getting to their destination (or just enjoying themselves in the process)

With this in mind, I like the term "active transportation" for all modes of non-motorized travel. I'm sure I'm going to be adding to my list of terms as I work through this blog.

Cyclists ‘Risk Death’ by Obeying Traffic Lights -- Should Bikes and Motorized Vehicles be Subject to the Same Laws?

In an earlier post I made reference to a finding that cyclists who obey traffic lights are more likely to be killed or maimed.

There are many thought provoking findings in the study. The question going through my mind is if motorized vehicles and non-motorized vehicles should be subject to the same laws.

The study found:

Women cyclists are far more likely to be killed by a lorry because, unlike men, they tend to obey red lights and wait at junctions in the driver’s blind spot....It suggests that some cyclists who break the law by jumping red lights may be safer...There is something wrong if the only way you can survive on a bike is to skip the lights.

It is easy to lump motorized and non-motorized vehicles into the same bucket, however, this study, and casual observations, states that there is a big difference between a cyclist and, lets say, a 16-wheeler. The difference comes down to a non-motorized vehicle's vulnerability to damage and a motorized vehicle's potential to cause damage.

Stop signs and traffic lights are designed to slow down traffic--because of it's potential to cause damage--and allow pedestrians and other traffic to safely cross. Non-motorized vehicles are subjected to laws that were designed for much more dangerous vehicles, but the laws do not sufficiently protect the vulnerable vehicles from the much more dangerous ones.

The apparent answer is no-- non-motorized vehicles should not be subject to the same laws designed for motorized vehicles.

Problems Solving Strategies

While surfing the net I ran across this interesting post titled "Einstein’s Secret to Amazing Problem Solving" I know, I know, the title is bloghype...but the content is pretty interesting nonetheless. I'm going to use the suggested steps to help guide me through my journey to fix Market Street.

1. Rephrase the Problem
2. Expose and Challenge Assumptions
3. Chunk Up
4. Chunk Down
5. Find Multiple Perspectives
6. Use Effective Language Constructs
7. Make It Engaging
8. Reverse the Problem
9. Gather Facts
10. Problem-Solve Your Problem Statement

Shared Places....A Possible Solution?

We've discovered that cyclists don't follow laws and that cars don't follow laws either.

Well, what's the solution then?

I found this clip from NPR's Talk of the Nation. The topic is Shared Spaces-- or making changes to streets so users self regulate the changes you're looking for. They discuss removing traffic signs, stop signs, lights, curbs, and instead of separating spaces letting ordinary human interactions--and human communication--govern. It is also noted that you can use texture, materials, landscaping, and street furniture to give ques on expected behavior.

Listen to the clip and leave a comment if you think this will or will not work on market street.