Posts tagged transportation

Biking: Good for you, good for the planet

Jun 23rd

In the U.S., it’s estimated that 40 percent of all urban trips are two miles or less. Unfortunately, 90 percent of those trips are usually by car, which adds up in fuel and carbon emissions. If you consider that each mile you travel by bike instead of car prevents one pound of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere, the benefits of bike riding becomes clear. Add the calorie burning, cardiovascular building, body slimming benefits, and one has to wonder: why doesn’t everyone bike?

image from The GOOD Guide to Biking for the Planet

As it turns out, here in Philadelphia, more of us are doing just that every year. According to a recent report from the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love boasts twice as many bike commuters per capita than any other big city in the U.S. and our ranks (yup, two out of three GreenTrekkers regularly bike to work) continue to rise. With new bike lanes planned and slow but steady progress in etiquette amongst and between cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians, Philly is poised to become what Mayor Nutter dreams of: one of the nation’s most bike friendly cities.

We’re well on our way, what with our many great bike shops, clubs that support the most low key recreational riders and hardest-core racers alike, and a super system of bike paths that wend through the city and beyond. Take to the saddle and become part of the bicycle revolution. Besides being good for you and good for the planet, it’s a whole lot of fun!

For the more ambitious amongst you, check out the resurgence of the cross country bike path movement, the U.S. Bicycle Route System, as discussed in this recent Blog post from GOOD >>

Check out the Bicycle Coalition and Download their report >>

Get The GOOD Guide to Biking for the Planet >>

Better still, Get out and Ride!

climate change, energy, environment, green living, green power, health, transportation

The Philly of the Future: Plan2035

Mar 1st

Posted by barry in sustainability

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The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) has just released the draft of Philadelphia2035: The Comprehensive Plan/Citywide Plan for public review and comment. Residents not only have the opportunity to preview this exciting vision of the future NOW, they can also provide feedback so that it becomes even stronger before its final release.

Philadelphia2035 is a blueprint for a 21st century city that THRIVEs with new growth and opportunities, CONNECTs to the region and the world, and RENEWs its valued resources for future generations.

THRIVE: Philadelphians THRIVE in the center of a competitive metropolitan region.

In 2035, Philadelphia is a thriving metropolis. It is a city built on healthy neighborhoods and

a diverse economy offering opportunity to everyone. Cultural and institutional resources

and new enterprises flourish, and land is used in suitable and vibrant ways.

CONNECT: Philadelphians CONNECT seamlessly to the region and the world.

In 2035, people, goods, and ideas move effortlessly between neighborhoods, the region,

and the world, driving economic prosperity. Reliable and efficient transportation serve a

population that is more energy conscious than ever before.

RENEW: Philadelphians RENEW valuable resources to enable a sustainable future.

As a city intent on renewing the environmental and public realm, in 2035, Philadelphia showcases

centuries of growth and change, treasured parks and rivers (or river trails), valued culture and

architecture, and clean air and water.

The CPC is looking for feedback between now and March 31, 2011. To Get Involved, you can attend the CPC’s monthly meeting (March 15), the Citywide Plan Open House (March 23), or send in comments via email. You can also find Plan2035 on Facebook.

Do all that. Plus, visit the Plan2035 site >>