Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

What We’re Really Saying When We Say “Alternative”

9:22 AM EDT on March 23, 2010

090224lahood.jpgUS DOT Secretary Ray LaHood has drawn ridicule for his support of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. (Photo: Reconnecting America)

The word "alternative" is one of the most fraught in the English language. While it can have some positive connotations, especially for those who want to be seen as opposing the mainstream (like "alternative newspapers"), when used by those within the mainstream, it is usually a not-so-subtle dismissal. If you hear someone talking about "people who live alternative lifestyles," there's a good chance what they mean is "those freaks that I have nothing in common with."

Today on the Streetsblog Network, member blog M-Bike.org argues against the use of the word "alternative" when referring to non-automobile transportation:

Biking and walking are not alternative transportation. Alternative transportation is an auto-centric term which implies that only motor vehicles are mainstream transportation.

It’s a loaded term and one worth dropping, especially given the U.S. DOT’s recent policy statement that encourages government agencies to consider "walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes."

That policy statement and similar remarks by US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood have caused some members of Congress to suggest -- they're just joking, of course -- that the former GOP Congressman from Illinois is really, you know, alternative. This from Courthouse News Service:

To laughter, Republican House members suggested LaHood was taking drugs, dismissed the very idea of bike lanes and derided any change to a car-dependent society. "What job is going to be created by having a bike lane?" asked Ohio Republican Steven LaTourette.

He suggested that environmental sustainability projects have "stolen" $300 million from other programs and to attacked LaHood's encouragement of bicycling, on a personal level. "If it's not a typo, is there still mandatory drug-testing at the department?" said the wit, to chuckles from the back of the room.

The idea of LaHood as being some sort of loopy fringe character would have been unthinkable when he was appointed to the DOT position at the start of Obama's term in office. Back then, his most widely cited credential was his pragmatic expertise in Congressional politics, his ability to deal with folks on both sides of the aisle. Things have changed.

Thanks to Mark Abraham of Design New Haven for the link to LaTourette's remarks.

More from around the network: Greater Greater Washington on an elected official who actually thinks we might be too lenient with drivers who kill. DC Bicycle Transportation Examiner on the health bill's Community Transformation grants. And Tucson Bike Lawyer on the "Ciclovía" in Yellowstone National Park.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’

"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."

September 29, 2023

City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct

Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.

September 28, 2023
See all posts