Transportation Alternatives

AIR POLLUTION

Single occupancy vehicles are the main cause of air pollution in urban areas.  In places like Los Angeles nearly 10000 people die from air pollution-related illness each year.  Just because it doesn’t hover over our area, you can still suffer the effects of exhaust standing at a busy intersection.

Air pollution shortens the lives of people with respiratory problems such as asthma and emphysema. If you must drive here are a few quick tips:

• Combine errands
• Avoid drive through windows, or turn off your car while waiting your turn
• PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE while waiting for your child at school. Children are more affected by air pollution, because proportionately they breathe in more air than an adult. 
  

If you feel like it’s unsafe for your child to walk to school, but you live close enough, consider starting a Walking School Bus.
SAVE RESOURCES & MONEY

Take the bus – even one day a month or week is a contribution to cleaner air.  Despite ongoing budget cuts, Ben Franklin Transit works hard to provide continued service for our community.  The bus is reliable, clean and comfortable.

What’s your neighborhood Walk Score? A Walk Score is a measurement of whether you can perform typical errands without using the car.  Can you walk, take the bus, or ride a bike to work, church or grab a carton of milk?  Check it out, and add more information if needed.

Telecommuting is another way to save money and protect our air resources.

Please check back soon for information from the fall Livable Communities Summit.

We plan to have a mapping system soon where you can note incomplete sidewalks, or places where being on foot or riding a bike is particularly dangerous.

DID YOU KNOW?

The American Automobile Association (AAA) spends money lobbying ONLY for roads and highways and sometimes lobbies against public transit and bicycle safe roads.  For peace of mind, without an environmental negative, consider moving your auto club membership to Better World Club