[Karrot_Kream]

As someone who's canvassed on transit and bike mobility issues before, I think you've spent too long in online urbanism circles. There's a kernel of truth in what you say but it's exaggerated and victimized way too much. Your examples are also pretty textbook online urbanism and ignores other vulnerable road users (motorcycles, mobility scooters, etc)

[ButlerianJihad]

No, in fact, my assertions are wholly based on in-person interactions with motorists, in conversation and on the roads. I’ve literally been spit upon and road-raged, and many voters and taxi drivers have expressed their sheer hatred and opposition to public transit.

My assertions have nothing to do with “online circles” except here where I am breaking the bad news to y’all.

[Karrot_Kream]

If you haven't spent time in "online circles" then why is your understanding of vulnerable road users and non-car options limited to only bikes, light rail, and Critical Mass? What about rail trails projects? Does your area follow any NACTO guidelines? How does your DOT/DPW see things?

I don't deny the general idea that motorists in the US tend to have a crab mentality on the road where they want and expect everyone in the road to only be other drivers. I've also been sneered at in various ways in every non car form of transit I've been in.

[anon84873628]

If anything, the commenter's circumscribed scope of discussion only reinforces the point that they are informed by personal experience and not the internet echo chamber. Whereas you are throwing out these gatekeep-y acronyms to establish transit advocate street cred.

In my town the issues are rail trails and kids dying on e-bikes. Are my opinions on rail banking invalid if I don't know all the rules about wheelchair access ramps at the station? Come on now.

[Karrot_Kream]

If you're going to post something as contrarian as they did then yes. Cars are popular and the American built environment is oriented around them. You might not like it, but nobody will take your seriously if you don't acknowledge the status quo.

The exact set of topics they brought up are very online. I may be wrong about their experience with urbanism but it literally looks like something out of r/fuckcars

[anon84873628]

Or they're just one of the many people who experienced a similar "what radicalized you" moment.

This type hate is part of the status quo with cars. I've been on both sides of it - there are times I catch the entitlement building within myself as a driver!