Driving less and walking/biking more, as we’ve shown, isn’t just good for the environment. It’s good for your body, it’s good for your wallet, it’s good for your mind, and it connects you with your community.
Now, American policy encourages it.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood – a former Republican congressman – recently announced “a sea change” in transportation policy. In short, the policy means that local and state transportation projects are now encouraged to “treat walking and biking as equals with other transportation modes.”
In an interview with The New York Times, LaHood explains that we’re not getting rid of cars anytime soon. But, he says:
I think that livable and sustainable communities is a game changer. It’s a game changer because it’s what Americans want. It’s a game changer because people do want to get out of congestion, they want to get out of their cars, they want to be able to enjoy the outdoors, they want to be able to recreate with their families.
This is awesome news. And it’s true. Americans love their cars, but they don’t necessarily want to be in them all the time – especially when they’re close to home. Now, local and state transportation officials will be encouraged to make our communities healthier, more sustainable, and, let’s face it, more fun.
Of course, you can take action on your own, right now. It’s good for you, and it’s good for the Earth. Why not give it a shot?
