How About a Climate Plan That Reduces Car Dependence?

Last week PA Walks and Bikes alerted Pennsylvania residents to an opportunity to give input on the state’s new Climate Change Action Plan. The state has produced a report identifying specific actions that would reduce emissions by a target date of 2020.

Recent and projected GHG emissions from the Land Use and Transportation sector, as shown in Pennsylvania’s Climate Change Action Plan

In his critique, LSC member John Boyle points to some notable omissions in Chapter 6, which focuses on transportation and land use:

There is no mention of bicycling and walking in the plan. There is a
desire but no stated goal for reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled. The plan
focuses instead on keep-driving actions such as proper tire inflation
and “Eco Driving.” Enhanced Support for Existing Land Use Policies
sounds like a really weak action. Why not strengthen and enforce better
Land Use Policies? Why not have a plan to make build more sidewalks
and bike lanes?

The plan is open to public comment through November 9. PA Walks and Bikes explains how Pennsylvanians can give input on the group’s blog.

Meanwhile in New York, residents will have a chance to make a difference in their neighborhoods at the second annual Community Board Join-Up Jammy Jam, hosted by Transportation Alternatives and the Livable Streets Initiative on November 23. As TA reminds us, community boards are “only as open-minded and effective as the people who sit on them.” Join us to apply for your board and enjoy dinner, drinks, and conversation with current board members. Please RSVP by November 18.

In other news, the Livable Streets Community welcomes a new group working for more livable streets all the way over in Dhaka, Bangladesh.