Thursday, March 19, 2009
Constructing a Green Transportation Policy
From the League of American Bicyclists: "Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists, testified at the Select Committee Energy Independence and Global Warming hearing titled "Constructing a Green Transportation Policy: Transit Modes and Infrastructure" today. The hearing was held in response to Congress and the Obama administration's pressing agenda items -- global warming, clean energy and job-creating infrastructure projects. Clarke discussed the considerable role cycling and walking can play in combating climate change and promoting energy independence."Andy's testimony contains some good facts about the potential of bicycling in the U.S.:
"In our metropolitan areas, more than 40% of all trips are two miles or less – a very manageable bike ride – and more than one-quarter are just one mile or less.
Furthermore, the data shows that within that 28.3% of the trips that are one mile or less in urbanized areas, 65.7% are made by auto. This means that 18.6% of all trips in metropolitan areas are auto trips that are one mile or less. These short trips are the most polluting and the most feasible to switch to bicycling or walking. The city of Chicago recently adopted a 2015 goal of having 5% of all trips five miles or less made by bicycle."
Furthermore, the data shows that within that 28.3% of the trips that are one mile or less in urbanized areas, 65.7% are made by auto. This means that 18.6% of all trips in metropolitan areas are auto trips that are one mile or less. These short trips are the most polluting and the most feasible to switch to bicycling or walking. The city of Chicago recently adopted a 2015 goal of having 5% of all trips five miles or less made by bicycle."
Labels: green transportation policy, league of american bicyclists
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