America’s Oil Addiction- Redesign American Mobility for Smart Growth
Next in the 12 steps to break America’s oil addiction is number 4 from the Rainforest Action Network.
4. Redesign American Mobility for Smart Growth
America’s energy policy must include new approaches to mobility. As our communities grow, they should be designed to maximize smart land-use, reduce commute times, and utilize petroleum-free transportation options. Today’s Amtrak trains and speedy European and Japanese bullet trains use far less oil than planes and automobiles, yet each year Amtrak has to beg for basic financing. It’s time for Congress to fully fund American train mobility and for governments to prioritize mass transit in urban planning and neighborhood zoning. Over 70% of Americans live in towns and cities; each and every one of us should have access to a bus or train for commutes. With good planning, urban communities will develop road-share bike lanes and bike transit routes, and bicycling can evolve from a recreational activity to a transit option.
