Persuasive Effect

Devin Curtis
SLCC English 2010
Project 3: Information Effect
Professor Katy Wittingham

The Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in Utah are beloved destinations for
outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking
opportunities. However, with the increasing popularity of these canyons, traffic
congestion has become a major problem that affects visitors and commuters alike. The
narrow and winding roads in the canyons, combined with the high volume of vehicles,
make for dangerous and frustrating driving conditions. In this essay, I will argue that the
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons need a change to address their traffic problems and
promote sustainable transportation options.

First and foremost, the traffic problems in the canyons pose a significant safety
risk to visitors and commuters. With narrow roads and blind corners, the risk of
accidents is high, especially during peak seasons when the number of vehicles on the
road is at its highest. A single accident in the canyons can have devastating
consequences, causing injury or even death to those involved. By addressing the traffic
problems in the canyons, we can reduce the risk of accidents and make the canyons a
safer place for everyone.

Secondly, the traffic problems in the canyons have a negative impact on the
environment and ecosystem. The high volume of vehicles on the road contributes to air
and noise pollution, which can harm wildlife and damage the natural beauty of the
canyons. Additionally, the roads and parking lots in the canyons take up valuable space
that could be used for recreation or conservation purposes. By promoting sustainable
transportation options and reducing the number of vehicles on the road, we can
minimize the environmental impact of our activities in the canyons and help preserve
the natural beauty of these destinations for future generations.

So, what can be done to address the traffic problems in the Big and Little
Cottonwood Canyons? There are several proposed solutions that could be effective in
reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transportation options.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the Big and Little
Cottonwood Canyons receive approximately 2.5 million visitors each year, with the
majority of these visitors arriving in private vehicles. This high volume of traffic leads to
significant congestion during peak seasons, making for frustrating and dangerous
driving conditions. In fact, UDOT reports that the canyons have some of the highest
accident rates in the state, with an average of 11 crashes per month. Additionally, the
high volume of vehicles on the road contributes to air pollution, which can be harmful to
both visitors and the environment.

Research has shown that implementing a shuttle system can be an effective way
to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation options in
recreational areas. A study conducted by the National Park Service found that a shuttle
system implemented in Zion National Park reduced the number of vehicles on the road
by up to 45%, resulting in significant reductions in air and noise pollution. Additionally, a
shuttle system implemented in Banff National Park in Canada reduced the number of
private vehicles on the road by 50%, making for safer and more enjoyable driving
conditions. These success stories offer a blueprint for how a shuttle system could be
implemented in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons to address their traffic problems.
(Sources: "UDOT Cottonwood Canyons Study," Utah Department of Transportation;
"Zion National Park Visitor Transportation Plan: Final Environmental Impact Statement,"
National Park Service; "Experience with Implementing Shuttle Bus System in Banff
National Park," Parks Canada)

One potential solution is to implement a shuttle system in the canyons. A shuttle

system could help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, making for safer and less
congested driving conditions. Additionally, shuttles could be designed to run on clean
energy sources, minimizing the environmental impact of transportation in the canyons.
While implementing a shuttle system would require significant investment in
infrastructure and staffing, the long-term benefits to safety and the environment would
make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Another solution is to promote alternative transportation options, such as biking

and walking. The canyons already offer several hiking and biking trails, but more could
be done to make these options more accessible and attractive to visitors. By investing in
bike paths and pedestrian walkways, we can encourage visitors to leave their cars at
home and enjoy the canyons in a more sustainable and healthy way. Additionally,
promoting these alternative transportation options could help reduce traffic congestion
during peak seasons and make for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Finally, dynamic pricing for parking or congestion pricing could be used to

incentivize visitors to visit the canyons during off-peak hours. By charging higher
parking fees during peak times or implementing a toll system, we can encourage visitors
to adjust their travel plans and avoid peak congestion hours. While this solution may be
less attractive to visitors, it could be effective in reducing traffic congestion and
promoting sustainable transportation options.

In conclusion, the traffic problems in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are
not only frustrating for visitors and commuters, but they also pose a significant safety
risk, harm the environment, and reduce the quality of the visitor experience. The
proposed solutions discussed in this essay offer viable ways to address these problems
and promote sustainable transportation options in the canyons. By implementing a
shuttle system, promoting alternative transportation options, or using dynamic pricing,
we can reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and preserve the natural beauty of
these cherished destinations for future generations. However, to make a real change,
we need everyone's support and commitment to this cause. It is up to us, as citizens
and visitors, to take action and demand change to ensure that the Big and Little
Cottonwood Canyons remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

Sources:

● UDOT Cottonwood Canyons Study:

https://www.udot.utah.gov/main/uconowner.gf?n=200904081036541
● Zion National Park Visitor Transportation Plan: Final Environmental Impact
Statement:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=147&projectID=38779&doc
umentID=80009
● Experience with Implementing Shuttle Bus System in Banff National Park:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/plan/transportation/bus/shuttle