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It's the ultimate Boston transportation. On land:all those slow cars get in the way. There's public transit - the T - but if you're in good shape, it's usually faster to walk. Bicycles aren't bad. But on water, nothing stops you and there isn't anything important in Boston that isn't within two blocks of being wet. The harbor and the city are interlocked like wrestling squid, tentacles of water and land snaking off everywhere, slashed with bridges or canals.

Neal Stephenson#14

CityEfficiencyGeography

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author argues Boston is best navigated by water due to its geography, where land routes are slower and blocked.
In plain terms
Boston is built on water; navigating by boat is often faster than driving or walking.
What can you take from it?
Geography can dictate that alternative transport methods are more efficient.

Where it applies

  • commuting
  • city navigation

Putting it to work

  • exploring water routes
  • reassessing transport options

Questions to consider

  • What other cities are best navigated by water?
  • How do you identify better transport routes?

Another view

Water transport requires infrastructure not present in all cities.

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