EcoLOGICAL Tip #5: Active Transportation

Trafton B.

April 30, 2010 - 2:07 PM

I'm not sure why I haven't written about this one yet considering it's what I've devoted my entire life to recently with the rest of the Climate Equity Team - i.e. my temporary family. I wrote about transportation earlier in EcoLOGICAL Tip #3, but that was primarily directed towards automobile drivers. This time I want to speak with the alternative transporters.

Active transportation refers to any form of transportation that is human power, hence active. Examples include walking, bicycles, running, skateboarding, scooter-ing and so forth. The opposite side of that equation is passive transportation, such as car, bus, and carpool, train.

In America, motor vehicle emissions make up roughly 31% of total carbon dioxide emissions and 49% of nitrogen oxide emissions. In Oregon, transportation accounts for 38% of the state's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. The sector that produces more CO2 is electricity generation, and Oregon's electricity is significantly ‘cleaner' than most states considering that 43% comes from hydropower.

According to the Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions, the Governor's Advisory Group has proposed three deadlines, or checkpoints for reducing current levels of the six major greenhouse gasses carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, ozone and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

1. By 2010, arrest the growth of Oregon's greenhouse gas emissions (including, but not limited to CO2) and begin to reduce them, making measurable progress toward meeting the existing benchmark for CO2 of not exceeding 1990 levels.

2. By 2020, achieve a 10 percent reduction below 1990 greenhouse gas levels.

3. By 2050, achieve a "climate stabilization" emissions level at least 75 percent below1990 levels.
Given Oregon's policies to begin reducing carbon in 2010, Governor Ted Kulongoski has outline strategies for action placing a "high priority" on reducing the miles travel, especially by single-occupancy vehicles.

With all that considered, my advice to you is to use active transportation when it's possible. In other words, walk or ride a bike instead of driving if your trip isn't too far.

Not to throw more statistics at you, but according to the Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey, 25 percent of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40 percent of all trips are within two miles of the home, and 50 percent of the working population commutes five miles or less to work. Yet more than 82 percent of trips five miles or less are made by personal motor vehicle.

Here's my challenge. If you are traveling less than one mile - ten average-sized blocks - ride a bicycle or walk instead of driving a car. For those of you overachievers out there, extend your boundary to two miles. Give it a shot. You'll be amazed to see how easy it is, and there are so many benefits to walking and biking.

It's good for your personal health. It's good for the environment. It's good for your wallet. It's good for your community, your nation, and your world.

And, please, post a comment to let me know how you do.

For more information and to track the data behind this post, check out:

League of American Bicyclists

Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions 2007