Fix Connecticut DOT!

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You may have read recent press about the recommendation from Governor Rell to fix the CT DOT by creating not one, but two separate departments, one for roads, the other for everything else. Cyclists and pedestrians would likely fall under roads, which already gets the lion's share of the available funding, but for new roads, not trails or bike lanes, so you can imagine how well we would fare. I have been arguing, with any and all who would listen, that the start of any "fix" should begin with changing the "culture" of the DOT that has grown over the years to see it's primary mission as building wider, straighter and faster roads to serve cars and trucks. Well, New York City has begun to explore a different approach, and it all began at the top, when Mayor Bloomberg selected a new head for the DOT there. The accompanying article has further details (just click on it to enlarge for easier reading), but if you agree that the culture change must happen from the top down and are so inclined, please let Governor Rell know. At the very least, express your opinion to her that cyclists and pedestrians matter and deserve their rights under a balanced transportation system.
Keep walkin' and ridin'.
Jim.

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