Sustainable transportation is any mode of transport that meets the motility needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, or more specifically, a form of transport that minimizes emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
By using public transit, biking, or even walking, you can save money, use less energy, and do something good for yourself and the environment. Today's roads and highways are jammed with gas guzzling, pollution emitting cars. Every year, over 200 million passenger cars and light trucks travel the miles of American roads. Road vehicles are the largest contributors to smog, and account for about 50% of pollution nationwide. In addition, paved surfaces, such as roads, result in increased urban runoff, which is responsible for impaired ocean shorelines.
Increasing the use of public transportation is one way to reduce the effects of roads and automobiles. Public transportation can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide by nearly 745,000 tons annually. Nationwide, 1.76% of all personal trips consist of taking public transit. 5.1% of commutes to work are taken on public transit. This percentage is higher in big cities and among those with no car or drivers license. It should be much higher in every city.
Riding a bike is another method of sustainable transportation. People ride their bikes for a number of different reasons. 41% of riders claim to bike for health and exercise purposes. These bikers know that riding your bike can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases, and consequently lower health care costs. People will generally bike 3-4 times further than they walk, so this may be the best option if you are traveling longer distances.
If you are traveling a short distance, just walk there. Walking is a great way to increase your quality of life and become much, much healthier. Walking has numerous benefits, including giving you more control over your weight, blood pressure, reducing risks of heart attacks, boosting good cholesterol. Walking can also help in the prevention of stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other bone diseases. Many regions across the country have addressed the need for people to walk more and have implemented plans to encourage such actions. In Atlanta, where most citizens do not consider walking over driving, the Downtown Transportation Management Association (TMA) began an education program with the goal of promoting health and sustainability.
Their promotion of walking for short trips would also reduce traffic congestion in the city. The "Walk There!" challenge that was developed encouraged members of the Georgia State Legislature, City Council, and the Mayor's office to pledge to walk instead of driving. Participants were given a pedometer to track the number of steps they took each week. Weekly and monthly totals were collected, and those with the highest counted steps were awarded with prizes.
TMA also distributed walking maps that they had developed so that walking paths could easily be used. The "Walk There!" Challenge was very successful, gathering over 2000 participants. The coverage of this program was seen statewide, setting a precedent and encouraging all Georgian citizens to stop driving and get moving! Similar programs can easily be implemented within your business or office. They promote walking by communicating the desired behavior, rewarding behavior, and making the activity convenient by providing maps to walking friendly routes.
In addition to these large-scale programs, you can promote walking by implementing smaller "walk at work" programs, in which employees are given a break during the day in which they can walk in the surrounding areas of the office building.
Setting up a buddy system can provide support for employees and keep them set to a healthy routine. Special events, like "Walk to School Day" can get children and families involved, further engraining walking into daily lifestyles. However you plan to promote walking, it is important to shift the mindsets of your employees so that they will start thinking, "I'll just walk there." Using sustainable transportation is a great way to decrease your impact on the environment. It also has great health benefits that can fight heart problems and obesity. By choosing to not jump in your car and replace the drive with a bus ride, bike ride, or a relaxing stroll through the streets, you are choosing to help yourself and the world around you.