"... conservatives and liberals are increasingly divided on a slew of key issues, including one of the most basic: how to get from point A to B."

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Want to know a person's political views? Just look at how they get around
By Ian K. Kullgren, June 16, 2014

Did you walk, bike or take public transportation to work today? You're likely a liberal.

A recent Pew Research Center report has received national attention for showing that conservatives and liberals are increasingly divided on a slew of key issues, including one of the most basic: how to get from point A to B.

Three quarters of consistent conservatives would rather live in a community with larger, separated houses, the report found. They want space, even if it means they have to drive.

Liberals, on the other hand, value urban density and walkability. About 77 percent of consistent liberals said they prefer a neighborhood with amenities close by, even if it means living in a smaller home — cities, well, just like Portland.

To that end, 73 percent of liberals said they valued living near art museums and theaters. Only 23 percent of conservatives shared that preference.

If anything, the numbers give credence to longstanding political stereotypes. Liberals are eco friendly, health conscious and have an affection for public goods and spaces. Conservatives like privacy, independence and property.

During the 2012 election season, political statistician Nate Silver tweeted: "Heuristic: if a place has sidewalks, it votes Democratic. Otherwise, it votes Republican."

Heuristic? Perhaps it is more accurate than he thought.
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