Citation

Knoflacher H. Int. J. Inj. Control Safe. Promot. 2009; 16(1): 3-7.

Affiliation

Technical University of Vienna, Institute for Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Vienna, Austria. hermann.knoflacher@tuwien.ac.at

Comment In:

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2009;16(1):1

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17457300902723275

PMID

19296331

Abstract

Fossil energy use for mechanical transport modes enhanced travel speed far above human evolutionary experience, which is walking speed. Transport became faster and more convenient for people and industry. But planning had to be done without knowing the effects of these new modes. Individual experiences were extrapolated to the system and myths were created, like 'growth of mobility', 'time saving by speed' and 'freedom of modal choice'. Scientific based analysis show that these are real myths. These effects do not exist in the system. The number of trips is constant, travel time can not be saved in the system; speed lengthens distances and freedom of choice is limited by human evolution. Benefits from time saving can not be calculated any more and car traffic flow is only the effect of mistakes in parking organisation.

Language: en