How did the early life of Janet Guthrie look like?

Born on March 7th, 1938 in Iowa City, Janet was the eldest of the five siblings in her family. When she was only three years old, her family moved to Miami, Florida. Her father was a pilot and this is where Janet embraces her love for motor vehicles, and aerodynamics. She became a fully licensed pilot at the age of 17, which was quite young at the time. As Janet grew up, she became more interested in Physics and she eventually earned a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Michigan.
Her ambition at that time was not to become a car race driver, but to become an astronaut. Yes, an astronaut. And as with everything she loves, she did try to pursue that passion. She applied to NASA and though she passed many of their tests, she could not get in due to lack of a P.H.D. qualification, which was added at that time. However, she did not let this stop her. Her career was just about to begin a glorious path.

How did Janet Guthrie build her career in car racing?

The purchases of her two Jaguars XK 120 coupe and XK 140 along with her engineering knowledge to further modify them, turned out to be a great start of her car racing career. She started competing in Sports Car Club of America races. To be a good race driver though, physics and engineering knowledge alone won’t do it. One has to have the fire in the belly and the stamina to endure. The enduring part is not only applying to races, but also to surviving in the industry, especially while being a woman racing driver. “The problem for women, in my opinion, is they still have a harder time finding funding for this very expensive sport than does a man of similar accomplishments,” Janet said.

She went through many of these hardships on her own, facing many people that did not trust her, but also being fortunate enough to meet those that invested in her. Her glorious years would begin in 1976, when she would be the first woman to compere in a NASCAR Winston Cup car race. A year later, she would set a major milestone of again being the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. She kept her race spirit despite many technical difficulties with her cars, which often had to be modified as they were initially built for men. However, she did overcome many famous male race drivers at the time. In 1978, she managed to finish ninth in the Indianapolis 500, which was a major achievement.

What are five interesting facts about Janet Guthrie?

1.

• Janet Guthrie first began flying at the age of 13. Yes, while most children of her age play with toy planes, she was already learning to fly a real one.

2. Janet was also a great auto mechanic. She managed to disassemble and then put together part by part her Jaguar race car.

3. She also participated in two Trans-Am races in Mexico City in 1978, where she finished fourth.

4. If you would like to see Janet Guthrie’s helmet and race suit, you can visit the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

5. There is an upcoming movie about the life and career of Janet Guthrie, titled “Speed Girl”, where Hilary Swank will play the role of Janet.

Janet has shown to be a very ambitious woman who dared to be successful in men-led industries all her life, beginning from piloting, engineering, physics and motor car racing. She took challenges and coped with all difficulties along the way without giving up, because she has always known that she held a responsibility representing and inspiring many other women at the time who also dreamed of entering that male-dominated industry. She simply could not give up and let them down, and she never did.

The post Janet Guthrie: The girl that changed motor sports forever appeared first on Altered Steel.

If you are thinking of getting your hands on the wheel of a supercar, keep in mind that there will always be things that you don’t know about these powerful vehicles until you own or drive one. But let’s change that. Let’s take a look at some of the things they don’t tell you about owning a supercar:

Supercars are hard to drive

Unlike regular cars, supercars are rarely used to just get you from point A to B, like running errands, for instance. You might use them to stop somewhere and continue your schedule quickly, but most of the time, supercars are used as a toy you can play with. You take it for a drive from point A to Point A. Especially since you cannot transport more than one person in it.

Enjoying the ride is a challenge

Another sad fact is that you will never be able to drive a supercar as you wish to. Speed limits and bumpy roads are constant roadblocks that will never let you enjoy your supercar to the fullest.

There are some streets, in Germany, for example, where you can push the supercar to the maximum speed. However, it is prohibited to use these cars at their best capacities in most countries since you have to respect speed limits on highways. So before you commit to buying a beast, know that you will primarily use it to show it off and drive it carefully.

Car maintenance is expensive

This is not quite a secret. As you might already know owning a supercar comes with high maintenance costs. But what you may not know is that the maintenance is not just high, but extremely expensive.

So don’t be surprised if you leave a service department spending thousands of dollars in one go. It can get costly to upkeep the car because of the difficulty of replacing the parts, let alone fixing them.

Manufacturers try to keep this part “hidden” when you buy a supercar. However, as with all expensive things that you buy, maintaining them will also be expensive.

Limited space

While all supercars might look super comfortable and spacious in the photos, the reality is quite different.

The majority of supercars have limited headspace (or height space) and legs pace. We’re looking at you, Lamborghini.

Jokes aside, limited space does not mean tall people cannot drive supercars. However, if you are tall, you will feel the lack of space even more, and the driving experience will not be as relaxing.

If it makes you feel better, keep in mind that all supercar owners have this challenge — some more than others. But one problem is consistent: you cannot enter into a supercar as gracefully as you might wish.

Supercars draw a lot of attention

We bet you already know this. We also bet this fact is one of the main reasons why you are deciding to buy a supercar in the first place.

However, if you are the type of person who does not want to attract a lot of attention, driving a supercar will make that goal almost impossible. Moreover, with lots of attention comes higher risk.

As a supercar owner, you will have to pay extra attention to people trying to steal your car or steal any parts from it.

If you plan to buy a supercar, don’t let these facts or things stop you from fulfilling this dream. Every dream or goal has its own challenges. The important thing is to know about these challenges as soon as possible so that you are aware and make an informed decision.

These are just some of the things they do not tell you about owning a supercar. Do you know any other things or “hidden” facts about owning this type of car? Share with us know in the comments below. Let’s talk!

The post What are the things they don’t tell you about owning a supercar?  appeared first on Altered Steel.

Change is inevitable. So is the choice. But the best decisions are made responsibly. Being responsible is good. Whether you buy a zero-emissions vehicle for the sake of the environment or a safer environment comes as a bonus, the important thing here is tapping into your own motivation that drives you to want to do something. And most humans want to feel they are contributing to something bigger than themselves anyways.

Best decisions are also informed decisions. So when it gets to EVs, you should be able to look at them with a critical eye – not only appreciate their advantages but accept the shortcomings as well. We often tend to exaggerate the virtues of EVs, turning a blind eye to their flaws.

Let’s open our minds and look beyond what’s comfortable; embrace the change, give constructive critique – inspire that perfect EV fleet. Let’s have an honest conversation about issues with EVs.

The charging station conundrum

Right now you are used to pulling up to a gas station and being out in a matter of 10 minutes or less. Even if there’s a line – the wait is still acceptable given the number of available fueling pumps.

Now, imagine having to charge your electric ride. The fastest charge would take you about 15 minutes. And what if there’s a line? How much of your valuable time are you willing to spend just waiting for your car to fill up on electricity?

The most obvious solution to this challenge is building more charging stations and optimizing charging time. It may be a valid option, we just need to be patient and wait for the infrastructure to grow and develop.

Besides, an average range today will allow you a trip of 200 miles on a single charge – we rarely drive more than that in a single day. So when we compare EVs with traditional, gasoline-powered cars, the difference is strictly psychological, according to some researchers. But should we really be justifying the slow adoption of electric vehicles based on the imperfections of human nature? Yes, the human species have a hard time parting with something familiar, something that gives at least an illusion of stability.

But curiosity and exploration are also intrinsic to humans. How about those of us who like to go on adventure trips, getting lost among the rugged terrains? Would we be willing to “contaminate” the virgin landscapes with charging stations? Because it’s not like we can just carry a jerry can filled with electricity around.

While this is still far off in the future, and we first need to get more EVs on our streets, this challenge will eventually catch up to us. We might as well start planning early and solve the charging time and battery capacity conundrums first.

The charging time conundrum

Let’s say the new improved charging stations will be able to supercharge your car in 15 minutes or less. Here’s the thing, though, – the faster you charge your battery, the more you reduce its life, and increase the possibility of fire. A flaming EV battery seems like something you wouldn’t want to experience.

So, there is a good reason why you usually trickle charge your batteries – as you do with your lawnmower or vacuum cleaner, or any battery gadget you have at home. But here’s the thing – you are at home and there’s usually no urgency. With EVs, we don’t have patience or time to wait for a slow charging battery to replenish.

I’ll charge my EV at home, overnight, you’ll say. Well, this leads us to the next conundrum.

The electricity supply conundrum

EV advocates have been dodging the attacks of EV skeptics on this front. To begin with, the latter claim that all EVs together will bring the electricity supply grid. Somehow they even got the CEO of Toyota on board, who has also expressed doubts about electrical grid capacity. Unless that’s a marketing trick to steer the attention towards hydrogen-fueled cars.

To counteract this claim, the Department of Energy produced a report that assures concerned citizens that mass adoption of EVs “will not pose significantly greater challenges than past evolutions of the U.S. electric power system.” And some automakers are feeling positive about EVs being able to even add stability to the electric grid.

Another concern hits closer to home. You can’t use your 120V plug to charge your electric vehicle. Or technically, you can – but prepare to stay home for days waiting for your battery to replenish because your standard plug only adds a few miles of range per hour! And I know you are not buying your EV only to stare at it in your garage for days. So you will need a 240-volt charging system at home, which adds a hefty number to the cost of owning an electric vehicle. And not all homeowners are prepared to assume it right away.

A survey at UC Davis found out that 21 percent of California drivers gave up on their plug-in vehicle after driving it for some time. 71 percent of these drivers didn’t have a 240-volt plug at home.

It seems that some EV enthusiasts are, well, being too enthusiastic, deeming the biggest challenge with EVs is actually getting people to try them. They claim that once you try an EV you are most likely going to stick with it. They say it’s fun to drive and joining the ranks of green-minded individuals should not be the last reason either.

But the reality paints a different picture – retaining drivers is paramount for our bright green future.

Will electric cars be just cars someday?

It’s hard to predict the future exactly as it will be. We can speculate, make projections, and set goals. EVs come with a lot of questions, concerns, and confusion, but also a great deal of curiosity and motivation to solve all the unknowns.

For electric vehicles to become part of our everyday life it will take a shifting mindset to learn to love them. But not just for the end consumer. Automakers, government regulators, scientists, regular drivers, and of course, the Big Oil companies would all need to come together and gear up for the challenge of bringing safe and efficient vehicles to our roads.

The post Issues with EVs we (don’t) talk about appeared first on Altered Steel.

How did Helene Rother’s journey begin?

Born in 1908 in Leipzig, Germany, Helene was brought up in an environment that was constantly under war threat. Germany and France, where she later lived, became battlegrounds for the World Wars. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine her childhood and teenage years resembling a rollercoaster with sharp ups and downs.

Yet, she managed to study art in Germany and then worked as a jewelry designer in Paris, before World War II. During this time, she gave birth to her daughter and formed her little family. However, as I mentioned in the beginning, there were times of danger and uncertainty.

Soon enough, she had to flee from Nazi-occupied France to North Africa. It was very hard for her and her seven-year-old daughter to travel to the US right away without a visa. However, somehow she got lucky and embarked on a ship to the United States.

Going through all these hurdles ever since she was young, then traveling across three continents with a child, shows her resilience and determination to thrive. A new chapter began for her in the US where she would make history as an automotive designer.

What made Helene Rother successful in the male-dominated auto industry?

Helene was an able professional, a beautiful woman, and a great mother who did not have an easy start in the U.S. After all, she was a refugee, and most importantly, a woman. Yet, her design skills found application in art, jewelry production, marketing, and even book illustrating. It was by chance that she came across a General Motors interior designer vacancy ad. Though Helene did not have any experience in the industry, she applied and got the job.

Interior design was an area that was just taking off in the auto industry, as people were seeking more comfort and luxury in their cars. No wonder, Helene was the first woman doing this job in Detroit, as the damsels of design were growing in number. To everyone’s surprise, she became quite good at it and soon was one of the best paid General Motors employees. Such a high salary for a woman was so unusual, that it even made headlines in The Detroit News.

But the attention and media scrutiny did not stop her. She continued gaining expertise in the industry and doing research work. She was the first woman to speak at the Society of Automotive Engineers in Detroit. Her paper titled “Are we doing a good job in our car interiors?” was highly praised. Soon enough, her work was getting awards such as the Jackson Medal.

How did the entrepreneurial career unfold for Ms. Rother?

As Helene had gained a reputation for high-quality car interior design at GM, other automotive companies started contracting her as a design consultant. Realizing that she could be her own boss, Helene opened her own studio named Helene Rother Associates.

Her designs for Nash Ramblers became famous, and her name was part of all advertisements. She turned to be a symbol of European influence on American automobile designs. She did not just design car interiors, though. Her style was also present in the stained glass of many reconstructed American churches. Expanding her work, communicating with clients like a true businesswoman, without losing quality and creativity were remarkable qualities of Helene.

What differentiated Helene Rother’s work?

Cars shouldn’t just take a person from point A to point B. They should also offer comfort and a pleasant experience for the driver. This is what Helene understood very early on. She saw the potential of interior car design as adding value to the car and ultimately giving the auto companies a competitive advantage. From a simple and basic design, she brought style, elegance, and uniqueness to each of the cars she designed. People loved buying cars that had her name as an interior designer.

As technology advanced, more high-quality materials could be nicely incorporated into vehicles, adding to their charm. The ambition to strive for more quality and more elegance, adding a modern contemporaneous touch to the dull vehicles made Helene unique.

She was a true trailblazer in the design world and her work has been acknowledged throughout the years. Lastly, in 2020 the Automotive Hall of Fame inducted her, along with other professionals who have contributed to the automotive sector. Helene Rother remains a role model for so many women who are seeking to unleash their potential and strive in male-dominated industries.

What about your car? Have you checked who designed its interior? I bet now you are curious to find out whether your car is designed by a woman. Let us know!

Image: Automotive Hall of Fame

The post Helene Rother: A trailblazer in the automotive design appeared first on Altered Steel.

For instance, if money is not an issue. Would you go for a luxury car? Most likely, your answer would be yes. But what really motivates the positive answer? What are the deciding factors for your choice? How do you know they belong in the luxury vehicle segment and not other high-end cars?

Join me in this post, as I delve into the world of luxury cars and explore what makes luxury luxurious.

What makes a luxury car?

Exclusivity

If you are just looking for a vehicle to take you from point A to point B then maybe a luxury car is not exactly what you need. However, if you seek an exquisite ride that will turn a few heads as you drive by, then you might want to check that Roll-Royce Phantom or Jaguar. These luxury marques are all about sophisticated expensive looks and premium quality.

High-quality interior features

It is hard to imagine a luxury car without the superior interior comfort. The leather and supportive seats, futuristic infotainment systems, ample legroom, and preferential lights are just some features that create a superb luxury experience for a driver. Comfort and style, along with modern looks and the latest tech are intrinsic to your luxury car shopping checklist.

Brand differentiation

As more mass-market automakers are launching their premium models, it becomes essential for veteran luxury car marques to reinforce their position in the luxury marketplace. This is their niche, and in order to keep it that way, they leverage on their brand legacy and reputation. For example, Range Rover, Porsche, and Rolls Royce are relying on brand advertising to attract buyers. They offer their brand name and latest technological features as value propositions.

Price

As premium cars are also becoming quite expensive, the line between a premium and a luxury vehicle has become a little blurry when it comes to price. For example, Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of those entry-luxury cars, which is still pretty affordable. And then you have vehicles such as Audi S8 or Bentley, which are considered an ultra-flagship luxury. Their price tag that exceeds the $150k mark leaves you no doubt about their luxurious origin. Hence, when in doubt about whether the car you are looking at belongs in the luxury segment, besides price, you can rely on the previous criteria, to help you out.

Speed and safety

These are the other distinguishing features, especially when considering sports luxury cars. Their crash protection features and exterior are specifically designed in such a way that allows you to reach full speed in a matter of seconds, and yet, feel safe while on the road.

How did the concept of luxury cars evolve over the years?

The criteria above suggest that luxury car brands make it all about their drivers. It’s not all just about a car, it’s about the status. The unique ownership experience seems to be the common denominator throughout the evolution of the luxury car concept.

At the beginning of the 20th century, all cars were considered a luxury. Most of them were still hand made, and quite costly as compared to most people’s earnings. Hence, the car was a sign of prestige, which only a select few could afford.

In 1913, Henry Ford introduced an assembly line, which, in turn, reduced each vehicle’s production time and, consequently, lowered its price. Now, more people had access to cars. There was time, especially after the Great Depression, when one could see both regular and luxury cars sharing the roads. It was so easy to tell them apart.

Today, these lines have blurred. Thanks to progress in technology and machine learning, more and more features, which previously belonged only in the luxury segment, are also being added to other vehicles.

What is the future of luxury?

Futuristic technology and e-mobility seem to be the focus of future luxury cars. Artificial intelligence is turning cars into smart aware machines. Moreover, with Tesla being one of the main electric luxury brands on the market, it seems that soon, these will be two main criteria to tell luxury cars apart.

However, if you still own a classic luxury car, do not attempt at replacing it. Its value most likely will keep increasing. This is the beauty of luxury. It may get out of fashion in the short run, but it obtains incredible value in the long run.

What is your experience with luxury cars? Do you have any other criteria that you personally use to distinguish a luxury vehicle from other premium cars? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

The post What defines a luxury car these days? appeared first on Altered Steel.

In this post, I’ve put together a few books that deserve an honorable spot on your bedside table and will prepare you to take the world by storm. Get your inspiration flowing by checking out these books about travel. You can thank me later.

1. ‘The Alchemist’ by Paul Coelho

In case you haven’t read this classic yet, I urge you to consider it. Published in 1988, the book evolves around Santiago, a shepherd boy from Spain. Following his night dreams, he embarks on an adventurous journey to discover the treasures of the Egyptian pyramids. On his pilgrimage, the young shepherd encounters many interesting characters, who guide him towards his destination. Ultimately, Santiago realizes that the quest for the treasure has turned into a quest for self-discovery. Indeed, like all good books about travel, ‘The Alchemist’ does a great job of teaching us that the journey itself matters more than the destination.

Thought-evoking quotes about life, pursuing dreams, and persistence in reaching your goals are some of the treats of this novel. The book is not voluminous, but I can guarantee it will leave you inspired and ready to start planning an adventure of your own.

2. ‘American Nomads’, by Richard Grant

Grant is a British writer, who moved from London to the US and spent 15 years wandering across the American landscape. As part of his adventure, he did not spend more than three weeks in one place and supported himself by writing stories. In ‘American Nomads, Grant invites you on a journey to discover the reasons that would make someone abandon the settled life and become a nomad, a wanderer.

During his experience, Grant realized that the nomadic lifestyle is a choice for many. Explorers, cowboys, bikers, and even urban employees have been turning nomads. People everywhere are willingly embracing this way of life. Grant digs into the stories of these characters, narrating both: his and theirs experiences, trying to make some sense of it all for himself, and for all the readers who may share the same passion.

3. ‘Love & Luck’ by Jenna Evans Welch

This New York Times bestseller is about road trips that eventually cure ailing relationships with family and oneself. The main character, Addie finds herself traveling across Ireland with her brother Ian and his Irish friend Rowan. Addie has just been through a difficult break-up, which took a big emotional toll on her. Ian does not make things easier for her either.

The story shows us how traveling and exploring new places can heal. The plot teaches us that adventures are not just fun. Oftentimes, the difficulties appearing are a big part of the healing process. The reward of every journey is personal growth and a chance to heal and become stronger.

4. ‘A Woman Alone: Travel Tales From Around the Globe’ edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick, and Christina Henry de Tessan

For a woman, traveling alone is more of an exception than the norm. Yet, there are women who have dared to break this taboo and discover the pleasures of solo travel in far-away lands.

This book is a collection of stories, written by various solo female travelers who come from all around the globe. Each narrative has its voice, style, and perspective, which makes this book special. Yet, all the stories share the spirit of independence, freedom, self-reflection, and transformation. If you are a woman who has been holding herself back from traveling because of not having companionship, then this book will definitely encourage you to get on the road and embrace the solo exploration.

5. ‘The Places in Between’ by Rory Stewart

Have you ever crossed a whole country on foot? What if that country is Afghanistan? What if you are a former British diplomat crossing it in 2002, only a year after the 9/11 attacks? Most likely, you are thinking that this is a brave, almost suicidal act, which no one in their right mind would ever consider doing.

However, such adventure is a true story. Rory Stewart embarked on this thrilling trip alone, exposing himself to the dangers of harsh weather and almost getting killed several times. Much to our relief, he has survived the challenge and narrates how, as the ‘first tourist in Afghanistan,’ he witnessed culture clashes first hand. If you are already curious about his narrative, then you will find this book very captivating. This non-fiction travel thriller has received interesting reviews from the critics.

Regardless of the destination, the journey itself offers challenges to embrace, opportunities to grow, and memories to cherish. Are you curious about any of the books above? They can be not only a source of inspiration for your next trip but also a good travel companion. Are there any other books about travel that should have been on this list? Share with us in the comments below.

The post 5 books about travel to inspire your next adventure appeared first on Altered Steel.

Should we be surprised or should we finally admit that we are trapped in so many ways? What is more surprising is the fact that this desire for freedom has extended to areas which have previously made our lives easier. The most recent of them being freedom from cars by establishing car-free zones in major cities across the globe.

Have cars become a burden we need to be free from? Or has our passion for saving the environment outgrown our need for convenience?

Entering a car-free era

The car-free movement commenced a few years ago when major European cities started blocking off streets and downtown areas from vehicles. The reasons that inspired this decision are based on sustainability and environmental concerns. By joining the movement, city officials aim to reduce air pollution and improve safety among residents and visitors.

And if you think this is a step gone too far, check out some of the statistics on car pollution:

• In the United States cars represent approximately 89 percent of the trips made by vehicles, accounting for the largest bulk of pollution.
• The number of early deaths caused by air pollution in Europe has doubled, with vehicle emissions and fossil fuels being the main pollutants.
• An Oxford University study shows that car dependency in Britain only costs over 6 billion pounds in health damages. Per year.

Despite the alarming numbers, we must admit that our vehicles’ fuel efficiency has improved significantly over the past 20 years, thus leading to lower emissions. Climate change legislation and emissions regulations have largely contributed to a better quality of air. In addition, many cities have introduced cycling stations and bike paths or have improved their public transit system.

Yet, despite these improvements, many people still chose their car over available alternatives. It seems like these steps were not significant enough to make people voluntarily change their driving habits. This is why we now see more and more cities slowly and purposefully going car-free.

European cities establish car-free zones

Below are some of the pioneer cities that set a path for others to follow.

• Madrid, Spain – Ban on older cars. Madrid began restricting access to older than 2000 gas-powered models and diesel vehicles made prior to 2006 in its city center. According to the estimates, this decision will lead to nearly 20% fewer vehicles in the area and cut air pollution by 40%. For now, officials allow only cars with previously registered parking spots to enter the area. But by the end of 2020, older diesel and gas-powered cars won’t be allowed to circulate the city center.
• Paris, France – One car-free Sunday a month. In a 2018 study, Paris was declared the city with the second-worst air quality among 13 European cities. And so the mayor Anne Hidalgo made it her personal mission to improve the air quality in the City of Lights. Not only has the classy city banned older vehicles from the city center, but it has also established a day free of cars. Parisians will enjoy the city center free of cars every first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to the car-free Champs-Élysées, a 3km (1.8m) section of the right bank of the Seine river, which was once a two-lane motorway, has been pedestrianized.
• Ghent, Belgium – A circulation plan. The Belgian city established a new circulation plan in 2017. The historical area has been car-free for 20 years already. And the newly introduced plan expands this traffic-free area by diverting vehicle traffic away by a ring road. Only public transport and emergency vehicles can enter the car-free zones. Loading and unloading of cargo can take place within certain hours and only with a permit. Two years after accepting the plan, the city has drastically lowered the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the air, according to Flanders Environment Agency. And while more people choose to go car-free, more people choose to avoid the city center as well. Locals say this leads to more empty shops and fewer middle-class people in the streets.

Oslo removed over 700 parking spots from its city center. Stockholm introduced a congestion charge for vehicles entering the city. London created Cycle Superhighways to increase the number of bikes and their safety on the roads.

This is the case in Europe – the continent where everything feels like it’s just around the corner. Beijing, Tokyo, and Mexico are also implementing similar policies.

But imagine the same scenario in the United States. We see Europe and Asia might be getting to like the car-free movement, but what we really want to know is this:

Are Americans ready to give up their cars?

Back in 2013, Census data showed that about 9 percent of U.S. households didn’t have access to a car. This figure has not changed much over the past years either. The 2016 research showed that three years later, this percentage remained the same.

On average, an American owns 1.8 cars. Some of the reasons for this go back to the historical image of the car as a status symbol and larger than in Europe distances between locations.

What is sad is that car dependency in the USA is significantly increasing the cost of living in some areas. Detroit, Miami, and Phoenix are the least affordable cities in the nation – not due to high housing rents but due to high transportation costs. And if you delve deeper into the infrastructure and transportation patterns in these cities, you will see that, voluntarily or not, people are stuck behind the wheel.

The hope is in the young generation

However, if we look at the national data in the past decades, we will see that even though the number of cars per capita is not significantly decreasing, the amount of driving is. Especially on the East Coast. States like New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have shown lower numbers of miles traveled per capita.

The last time people chose to drive less was during the Great Recession, when the economy was doing poorly or when the gasoline prices were rising in the mid-2000s. Naturally, when times were hard, people chose to cut on their travel and leisure expenses.

Yet, today we see a different situation. The economy is doing well, but people in metropolitan areas consciously choose to limit their car usage. The reason for this: Millennials and their decreasing desire for car ownership and strong passion to have a positive impact on the world.

Young people prefer to leave their parents’ car-dependent rural areas in favor of the transit-friendly urban neighborhoods. Surprisingly, millennials would not opt for Los Angeles or New York, but rather opt for places like Nashville, TN or Seattle, WA.

Yet, it is exactly in California and New York where you will see the first car-free zones in the USA.

Car-free zones in American Cities

New York made some really brave steps towards embracing the car-free movement. In October 2019, the city transformed one of its most congested streets into a busway.

According to the New York Times, 14^th street is a major crosstown route that links the East and West Sides of Manhattan Passenger cars where 21,000 vehicles, including taxis and Ubers, pass by every single day.

Under the new rules, between the hours of 6 a.m and 10 p.m. every day, cars are only allowed to drop off passengers and load or unload cargo along the stretch of the street.

It is interesting that less than a quarter of Manhattan’s residents own cars. Yet, this number does not account for people who commute in the city by a taxi or share a ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have gained huge popularity in New York City in the past years, and people choose them over the bus or subway. Thus, even though people aren’t necessarily owning more cars, they’re still adding to the daily congestion.

San Francisco is also making a radical change. The city approved a $600-million plan to remove private vehicles from its busy Market Street. It will be renovated into space for streetcars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

One in ten transit riders is on the street every single day. Despite that, the street hasn’t been rebuilt in over 45 years. The city plans to shrink the street in favor of a broader sidewalk and a bike lane (8 ft wide).

Bikes and electric scooters will have to share. Lyft and Uber will not be banned but will have separate loading areas. This will help reduce the number of accidents that affect pedestrians and cyclists in the busy area.

Car-freedom ahead

Just like any major transformation, the transition to car-free cities has a long way ahead before we see its effects on a major scale. For now, it seems like the car-free movement is bringing more lifestyle benefits than long-lasting air quality improvements.

Yet, simply banning cars from certain city areas is not a sustainable solution. People will still need to get to work and provide for themselves. And restricting their options will make it harder. Unless there are more alternatives to choose from. Affordable and attainable.

Shared mobility is one such option. The free buffer zones, new public transit stops, and the availability of e-scooters and bikes are the first steps towards such opportunities. Good planning and plenty of options will give citizens the flexibility they need to give up their vehicles more easily.

And when it comes to the reality of the United States? Preventing cars from central city areas will not solve America’s problem with cars. This is because the issue on the new continent is not so much the number of drivers in dense city areas. It is the number of miles they drive. The main factors for America’s dependency on cars relate to the big distances and the long trips they require. And that can hardly be changed.

The solution can only come from an urban planning system that no longer prioritizes cars over other modes of transportation. Maybe we should call Elon Musk and ask for a high-speed eco-friendly tunnel solution on this one?

The post Pedestrians only: The future of car-free zones appeared first on Altered Steel.