Click on the headlines below for stories of the latest trends, news, and innovations in transportation and sustainable development from around the nation and around the world.
Washington trying to Reduce Greenhouse
Gases
Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington in March signed in new legislation.
The legislation is aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emission by cutting
down on vehicle miles traveled (VMT). With the passing of this legislation,
it is also aiming to promote “green collar” jobs that provide
new training and incentives.
Senate Trying to Fix Infrastructure
A bill is being proposed by Senators Christopher Dodd (D- CT) and Chuck
Hagel (R-NB) to establish a new, independent, public National Infrastructure
Bank. The bank would evaluate and finance improvements to the nation’s
infrastructure and have the ability to leverage private capital for supplement
to public funding.
It
Pays to Take the Train
A recent study has shown that in some cities like Houston, TX, Detroit,
MI and Kansas City, MO people are spending as much as 20 percent of their
yearly income on their commutes. This is in comparison with cities that
have large transit systems, where 4 of the 5 cheapest commutes are considered
to have large or extensive rail systems.
More
Efficient Buses in New York City
According to a report released by the government the newer hybrid-powered
buses being used in New York City are costing 40 percent less to maintain
and 24 percent less to operate then earlier-generation hybrids. The study
was conducted for a year, going from February 2006 to January 2007.
Romance
on the Train
A couple who first met while riding the train together decided to
buy the seats on the train that they both sat in when they met for the
first time.
Just
Another Reason to Start Walking
Scientists from America and Canada have developed an invention that would
give another benefit to walking. The invention is a knee brace that can
actually generate usable electricity.
Kids
and Adults Putting a New Spin on the Typical Bicycle
Amazing, creative “bicycles” and bicycle related gadgets
from around the world.
Rail
Operations Around Southeast Gaining Steam from Success
In Charlotte, NC the opening of a new rail system has led to great success
that has even surpassed the expectations of the operators of the new rail
system. With the success of this new rail system it could lead many towns
and cities in Virginia to follow suit.
United
States CAN Support Widespread Rail System
Many would argue that the United States cannot support a widespread rail
system. Amtrak could not handle the load and the U.S lacks the human density
that would make the rail system sensible. With a nation of over 300 million
people and growing, however, Arthur Frommer shows that there is a way.
The Rising of the Urban Biker
Because of rising gas prices and
worries about global warming, people have started using bicycles as transportation
in big cities like San Francisco, New York, and even Los Angeles. It has
led to a movement called the “Urban Biker” where bike and
bike accessory manufacturers have had to revamp their merchandise to fit
people who bike in the city and not just people who mountain bike or race.
Minnesota
Improving City Transit over Cars
In Minneapolis City Officials have decided to give up tunnels for
trains and instead have them running along the ground. This causes problems
however for the cars and buses that travel the roads that the trains will
now be occupying. The decision to move forward with this idea shows City
and Met Council officials’ commitment to public transportation over
the inconvenience of those who drive cars.
Canada
to Invest in Public Transit
In Canada the Federal Budget decided to allocate $500 million to Canadian
Urban Transit Association (CUTA). This allocation was to help CUTA in
the maintenance and upkeep of the current systems along with transit expansion
to help accommodate more riders.
Revamp
in San Francisco on Transit System
City officials of San Francisco revealed plans to overhaul the local Municipal
Railway Transit systems. As Mayor Gavin Newsom says of the new plan, “Without
dramatic changes we will not see dramatic improvements.”
Bicycling
in the Netherlands- A Great Way to Get Around
In studies done by the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works
and Water Management, a bicycle is used for almost a quarter of all journeys
for the entire country. All relevant information on the studies and experiences
of the bikers can be found by following the link above.
Walking
Has More Benefits Then Simple Transportation
Besides basic transportation, walking provides many benefits to people
including saving money, improved health and fitness, and economic development
to name a few. Yet current transportation planning techniques undervalue
the benefits of walking. With increased public support, however, it is
hopeful that this will change.
America
Needs to Get Out of Our “Drive First” Attitudes
This local newspaper essay examines our transportation behavior and
national transportation polices, making the following observations. In
America today we have an addiction to oil because of our “drive
first” attitude to transport ourselves to places. America needs
to start looking at alternatives to driving. Not only will it reduce the
country’s dependence on oil, but reduce the greenhouse gases that
are produced, get people in better shape, and even get to know our neighbors
better.
US
Cities to Improve Crosswalk Safety
Cities across the United States are ramping up efforts to increase pedestrian
safety at crosswalks. According to Federal data, a pedestrian is killed
every 110 minutes and one is injured every nine minutes. Cities are experimenting
with more active lighting systems to alert drivers to the presence of
pedestrians and even systems that can delay a green light if a pedestrian
is still in harm's way.
USA Today, February 24, 2008
Biofuels
Present Uncertain Benefits
Biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol are renewable and burn much more
cleanly than petroleum-based fuels. Proponents of biofuels point out that
the plants from which the fuels are made may sequester as much or more
carbon than the fuels give off when burned. But the increased use of biofuels
raises serious concerns about land use and food supply—a huge amount
of land must be cultivated to create just a small fraction of a nation's
energy needs. Clearing new land and using fertilizer furthermore erode
biofuels' claims of carbon neutrality. It seems that finding better fuels
is a limited solution; we must find ways to use less.
CNN, February 25, 2007
Thunderhead Alliance
Names Jeffrey Miller as New President
Today the Thunderhead Alliance announced that it has hired Jeffrey Miller,
Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, as its new President
and Chief Executive Officer. The Thunderhead Alliance is the North American
coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations,
with a membership of over 135 organizations from across the United States
and Canada. Miller will begin work at the Thunderhead Alliance in April.
Thunderhead Alliance February 28, 2008
Video Features Pro-Bicycle Policies of Copenhagen
Watch this video to see the bicycle-friendly city of Copenhagen in action.
City policies favor travel by bicycle, and the infrastructure reflects
this priority.
Transportation
Forum Highlights Benefits of Public Transportation
In a recent forum in Washington, D.C., the American Public Transportation
Association emphasized the potential for public transportation to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. Attendees included congressional
staff, environmental organizations, transportation associations, business
members, advocates, and US federal agency officials. Follow the link for
reports on the presentations.
American Public Transportation Association
Long-awaited
Transportation Commission Report Released
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission
issued a report detailing recommendations for our transportation
system. Lauded by some, lamented by others, the report calls for placing
more emphasis on public transportation, investing more in metropolitan
areas, and developing inter-city rail. The League
of American Bicyclists criticises the lack of emphasis on non-motorized
transportation, while the American
Planning Association provides a straightforward summary.
No.
Va. Streetcar Funding Approved
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has voted to supply funding
for a streetcar line from Pentagon City into Fairfax County.
Washington Post, January 14, 2008
Bogotá,
Columbia, New Example for Multi Model-Transit
Bogotá's transit system, which now includes rapid-transit buses on dedicated
lanes and impressive bicycle facilities, rivals Northern European systems
and ought to be the envy of us Americans to the north. UPDATE:
The city also has an enviable livable streets movement, which includes
closing more than 70 miles of city streets to motorized traffic every
Sunday and every holiday. Cyclists and pedestrians come out in the thousands.
Video and description here.
StreetsBlog, Oct. 29, 2007 (Updated 01/30/08)
Research
Report Identifies Keys to Bicycle Friendly- Development
Researchers from Rutgers University identify separate bicycling facilities,
pro-bike policies, and beneficial land use policies as the keys to bicycle-friendly
environments in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Is the same environment
possible here? Read on.
Transport Reviews, Vol. 28, 2008
WMATA
Orders Record Number of Hybrid Buses
Washington, D.C., and other American cities have placed orders that will
double the number of GM-Allision hybrid buses in use in the country. The
buses will save up an estimated 2.4 million gallons of fuel a year.
Mass Transit Magazine
Portland,
Ore., to Improve Bicycle Safety
Responding to recent cycling fatalities, Portland is repainting intersections
to allow cyclists to stop in front of other vehicles, a feature common
in European countries. The city is also retrofitting city trucks to limit
blind spots and other potential problems especially hazardous to cyclists.
Four percent of Portand workers commute by bike.
New York Times, January 10, 2008
Virginia Development Needs New
Direction
Sprawling development and automobile dependence have dire consequences
for Virginia, according to this report from the Southern Environmental
Law Center. Aggressive roadbuilding contributes to the problem, leading
to a "lack of transportation choices." The report suggests an integrated
approach toward smarter growth, better transportation, and a cleaner environment.
Southern Environmental Law Center, December,
2007.
Clear
the Streets
Donald Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, discusses
how current parking policies increase congestion and pollution in this
video from Streetsblog. Parking reform, including increased parking fees,
are part of the solution. Nice video with stop-motion toy cars to demonstrate.
Streetsblog, December 31, 2007

