 A sustainable transportation system is one in
which people's needs and desires for access to jobs, commerce,
recreation, culture and home are accommodated using a minimum of
resources. Applying principles of sustainability to transportation
will reduce pollution generated by gasoline-powered engines, noise,
traffic congestion, land devaluation, urban sprawl, economic
segregation and injury to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. In
addition, the costs of commuting, shipping, housing and goods also
will be reduced.
Ultimately, almost all trips to and within the City will be on
public transit, foot or bicycle. Walking through streets designed
for pedestrians and bicycles will be more pleasant than walking
through those designed for the automobile. Street-front retail and
commercial establishments will prosper
 from the large volume of foot
traffic drawn to an environment enhanced by trees, street furniture,
(appropriately designed street lights, bicycle racks, benches, and
the like) and other people.
Rents and property costs will be lowered
as land for off-street parking is no longer required or needed.
Customers will be closer to businesses; goods and services will be
delivered more quickly; and time that employees would otherwise
spend commuting will be available for activities of their own
choice.
The high use of transit and other alternatives to the
automobile will enable the city and state to forego expensive
freeway construction, land acquisition and housing condemnation.
Old, obsolete highway segments of the automobile era will be
demolished, freeing up land to be used and developed to its greatest
potential as the community sees fit. With abundant, cheap and
versatile
 alternatives to the automobile, the sustainable city is
truly a place of equal access and enhanced opportunity.
Reallocating revenues and subsidies from the automobile to public
transit and other alternative modes is essential to move toward
sustainable transportation. In addition, issues such as land use,
traditions, safety and comfort profoundly influence the way people
move about. Listed in the strategy section are goals, objectives and
actions that, if implemented, will guide government officials,
residents, community and business leaders toward a sustainable
transportation system.
Source: http://www.sustainable-city.org/ |
