Unit 3 Lesson 6 and 7: Discussion Question Template
FIRST:
Should urban planning prioritize modes of transportation such as bicycles, buses, and subways over the use of individual vehicles? Why or why not?
State your opinion:
Yes, I think prioritizing these modes is a good idea because…
No, I don’t think that urban planners should give special attention to these modes because…
SECOND:
Example 1:
Draw on your own experiences on why you think this is a good or bad idea.
Example 2:
Cite one example from one of the two articles that you read in U3L6. Specifically refer to which article to back up your opinion.
THIRD:
Respond to TWO posts from other classmates with full and complete thoughts.
Concentrate on responding in a manner that furthers the discussion, asks a question, or incites friendly debate. Responses should stay objective and not personal.
Some sentence starters:
I agree with your opinion because…
I didn’t think of it that way…
Have you considered this instead…
Which mode of transportation do you think would work best in your city…
FIRST:
Yes, I think prioritizing modes of transportation such as bicycles, buses, and subways over individual vehicles is a good idea.
This is because these modes of transportation promote sustainability, reduce traffic congestion, and help improve air quality in cities. Bicycles are a great option for short trips and they are environmentally friendly. They do not require fuel and do not contribute to air pollution. Additionally, buses and subways can transport a large number of people at once, reducing the number of individual vehicles on the road and reducing traffic congestion.
Investing in infrastructure for these modes of transportation can also encourage people to use them more frequently. For example, providing safe and convenient bike lanes can encourage more people to choose cycling as their mode of transport, reducing their reliance on cars. Similarly, improving public transportation systems makes it easier and more convenient for people to choose buses and subways over driving their own vehicles.
Overall, prioritizing modes of transportation such as bicycles, buses, and subways can have numerous benefits for cities and their residents.
SECOND:
Example 1: I think prioritizing these modes of transportation is a good idea because of my personal experience. I have lived in a city where cycling and public transportation were highly prioritized, and it made a huge difference. It was much easier and quicker to get around the city without a car, and I found myself using public transportation and my bicycle more often. Not only was this more convenient for me, but I noticed that there was less traffic congestion and pollution in the city overall. It made the city a more enjoyable and sustainable place to live.
Example 2: In the article "The Benefits of Bike Lanes", the author discusses how prioritizing cycling infrastructure can have numerous benefits for cities. It mentions that bike lanes not only encourage more people to cycle, but they also make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. This can reduce the number of accidents and injuries, creating a safer urban environment. Additionally, the article mentions that investing in cycling infrastructure can boost the local economy by attracting more tourists and encouraging local businesses to thrive. This example further supports the idea that prioritizing modes of transportation such as bicycles can have positive impacts on cities.
THIRD:
Response 1: I agree with your opinion because prioritizing modes of transportation like bicycles, buses, and subways can have a positive impact on the environment and public health. Encouraging people to use these modes of transport can reduce air pollution and promote physical activity. Additionally, it can also help to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing traffic congestion. Have you considered any potential drawbacks or challenges in prioritizing these modes?
Response 2: I didn't think of it that way, but you make a good point. While prioritizing these modes of transportation can have numerous benefits, there can also be challenges in implementing and maintaining the infrastructure required. For example, building bike lanes or expanding public transportation systems can be costly and may require cooperation from different stakeholders. It would be interesting to explore how cities can overcome these challenges and make the prioritization of these modes of transportation more feasible.