Sustainable transport can mean public transport, car pooling, walking
and cycling as well as technologies such as biodiesel and electric and
hybrid cars. The phrase encompasses a wide range of economic, social
and environmental effects that should be taken into account when
developing new transport systems and policies for cities.
Human Powered Transportation
Each North American makes an average of 2,000 car trips of less than
3 km each year, trips that could easily be made on foot or by bike! By
walking, biking, or inline skating these short trips instead of
driving, you can achieve significant benefits for your health and the
environment.
Bicycle helmet gathering dust in the closet? Only
one running shoe to be found? Many of us feel so busy with work and
family responsibilities that we can't seem to find the time to go to
the gym. That is one reason why active transportation makes so much
sense. Most of us need to get to work, to the corner store, or to
school to drop off kids. Instead of grabbing the car keys and feeling
guilty about being inactive, why not walk or cycle instead? Research
has shown that exercising moderately for ½ hour a day for 5 days a week
reduces the risk of a number of different illnesses, including heart
disease, cancer and diabetes. Many studies have also shown that
physical activity helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints,
manage weight, and reduce anxiety and depression. As you become more
physically active, you'll feel healthier and more energetic.
Apart
from the many health benefits of active transportation, there are a
number of other good reasons to consider it, including climate change
and the air you breathe. Pollution from cars and trucks is a major
cause of both problems, yet many people are driving more frequently and
in larger vehicles. Simply by walking and cycling more for short trips,
you can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 250kg.
Walking and
cycling are great family and social activities. You'll get to know
people in your community and take time to notice your surroundings. You
are also setting a great example for your children about how to
incorporate physical activity into daily life. What's more, it takes
only 15 minutes to walk one kilometre or to bike three. Using human
power can get you there faster than driving.
Vehicle Travel
Carpooling is about sharing a ride with others to reduce fuel use
and traffic congestion. A Community car is a car that a community owns,
maintains, and uses together, saving on ownership and maintenance
costs. It offers an alternative form of transport to a privately owned
car.
Hybrid vehicles usually use two types of power source such
as a gas or diesel engine coupled with an electric motor. Hybrid
vehicles generally use the gas engine at higher speeds and the electric
motor at low speeds and when idling. The battery which stores
electricity for the electric motor is charged during periods when the
car is not accelerating, i.e. when you are slowing down, braking, or
traveling downhill. If required it can be charged by the gas or diesel
engine.
Bus / Public Transport
The word bus is a shortened version of omnibus, which means "for
everyone". Buses have the ability to move a lot of people to a lot of
different places. When well used they help reduce pollution and traffic
congestion. Travelling by bus can be easy, affordable and relaxing.
Write to your city representatives to request that your community
upgrade their buses to fleets of LNG or biodiesel buses. This will
reduce the CO2 emissions generated, reduce dependence on imported oil
dependency, and in the case of biodiesel engines actually run cleaner
and more efficient.
Content from: Environment Canterbury
