Creating an Alternative Transportation System in Your Community

A is for alternative transportation. Alternative transportation is an important piece of the energy efficient pie. Why? Because transportation-related carbon dioxide emissions account for 33 per cent of the total emissions from fossil fuels.

As the founder of the Waynedale Green Alliance the majority of the emails I receive are from those concerned about alternative transportation. They voice apprehension about the lack of trails and bicycle lanes in the area. They write about the danger on busy roads where there is no place to walk. Citizens are angry because of the lack of regular bus service and carpooling, while an option, has not yet been organized or brought to the larger population.

When we look at alternative transportation we get giddy when we think about hybrid buses and taxis or beautiful, leafy trails- but those things do not exist in this area. At a local trade show I cornered a spokesman for a trails advocacy group in this section of the country. When asked why a certain more affluent part of the city had received a trails system and this older, less affluent area had not he was quick to evade me.

But, his younger cohort piped up and said that the city had matched a large sum that had been given by a well-known celebrity and the citizens of the affluent area had gotten out and knocked on a lot of doors to get those trails. He told me this "in fairness' to them.

That's fine and bully for them.

Here are five steps to take to get a feel for the need for a good alternative transportation system in your community.

1) Do a walkability test. They are everywhere to be found online. Throw " walkability test" in Google and at least six tests will come up. Take a walk and score your town.

2) Do you feel comfortable riding your bike with your child or grandchild in your neighborhood? Is it possible for them to make it from street to street without vicious screams from drivers?

3) Does your community have a green community alliance in place? Are the people you live next to cognizant of the fact that we are drowning in lack? And that our future is full of possibilities if we get busy?

4) Do you notice police, fire, or other city vehicles idling? If so, look up the fact that an idling car runs more gas than one going 30 miles an hour. Guess who is paying for all that gas? YOU- and your grandchildren.

5) Are you in a community where you can easily get to the grocery, park or school by foot or bike? If so, you are so lucky- if not, you are one of the many.

This is just the tip of the alternative transportation iceberg. And, it is not yet melting.