"Engineers should not design streets" — @StrongTowns

Both Nanaimo’s 2014 Transportation Master Plan and the more recent Terminal Nicol Re-imagined Project started with asking traffic engineers this  question —

“How many vehicles are currently using our roads and [this is critically important] what are future vehicle volume projections.”

It’s the wrong question and all further planning would be based on their answers. In both initiatives public engagement was sought by a City Committee and activist neighbourhood groups. Good work was done by both but it’s clear to anyone reading the materials released that the needs of the car again trump the needs of the community and its neighbourhoods.

Before the traffic engineers are brought into these processes citizens need to determine what best serves the needs of the community. How do we create inviting, inclusive, safe public streets for all? Including vehicle access of course after more important values are built into our street design. It's at that point the community should seek the valuable assistance of the engineers to realize our vision.

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