Reston Spring

Reston Spring
Reston Spring

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Low-speed Vehicles on Pathways in Reston's Future?

The following is the final paragraph of the summary of a 32-page AARP "Insight on the Issues" report about accommodating low-speed vehicles (LSVs) in America's communities: 
Well-designed networks for LSVs and golf carts could help fill a gap in the existing array of transportation options (for seniors and handicapped).  They provide a convenient way for people to travel farther and faster than they would on foot or a bicycle, without having to use a car.  Nonetheless, community planners, law enforcement officials, local and state policy makers, and users of these vehicles should not lose sight of the fact that these vehicles are much less safe to ride in than passenger cars.  With proper planning, infrastructure design, public education, regulation, and enforcement, communities can safely accommodate LSVs and golf carts and improve the quality of life for residents of all ages.
If Reston is to become a community for all ages--as is being pursued by Supervisor Hudgins' "Aging in Reston" initiative--do the capabilities and policies that allow LSVs exist or need to be created?  I'm sure there is much to learn about the pros, cons, and "how to's" of creating and supporting a safe system for LSVs to operate in Reston.  The best time to start coming to grips with those issues may be now.

For the complete AARP report, click here.  (The link is a large PDF file--5.5 MB.)

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