Hello.
Today’s entry will have a more serious tone then yesterdays. Once again, I had something else planned but got sidetracked. Through one of our followers on twitter, I came across this article. I promised myself not to delve into the oil-spill, but here I go. The article is about the BP oil spill, and what have to be done to reduce the effects. The author makes a good case about what he thinks must be done. For all of you that don’t have time to read a full article, here is the short version: The gulf oil-spill is causing a shortage of oil in USA. Instead of trying to remedy that with short term oil imports there have to be long term changes in attitudes from drivers and government. Public transportation needs to be spruced up, and bicycle lanes need to be better planned and constructed. And a total of 20% of reduction of driving is required.
Commute Greener! is all about reducing needless driving and promoting use of public transportation and bicycle lanes. 20% reductions of driving sounds harsh, but statistics from users show that IT IS possible. But many reductions pre-suppose the existence of well planned and proportioned public transportation network, as well as bicycle lanes. The main part that struck me in the article was how different views Americans have compared to the situation for me on this side of the pond. The car is holy, taxes are bad and a tax on gasoline is sacrilege. And petrol is dirt cheep. I have of course known this for a long time but never really considered the problems of trying to change the citizens’ habits.
When I look at this article and the environmental debate in USA from an outsider’s perspective, I see a need for stronger regulations and environmental taxes. I come from Sweden however, and that is what is normal for me. The problem of excessive driving is very much an economical issue as well as one based on attitudes. People are afraid of change. And as long as it is cheep to take the car, why take the bus. As long as the gasoline is somewhat expensive, they may consider different options. The problem here is that interest groups of habitual drivers always get so much attention in the debate. While I understand the need for a car, driving five miles to work is not a sustainable way of commuting. But if you never have taken the bus and have heard all kinds of bad things about it, or never rode the bike in town, would you really dare to try? 
There has to be a change of attitudes from the top to stimulate the public transportation system. At the same time I am a huge advocate of grassroot action, but for something as big as this, will also need governments to take actions as well. California’s “new” Assembly Bill 32 may bring an interesting and inspiring change in 2011. Only time will tell.
What I wrote yesterday about that there is a demand for bicycle lanes that is very important. If you like to use the bike you will have to demand proper and safe roads from the politicians. If the public transportation system is under-dimensioned and slow, get active. The politicians don’t know if they should act if no one tells them. After all, they are there to serve you, the voters. I do understand that there are many of them who don’t care about the environment, and think that climate change is a hoax, but they will think about the election. The same is true for a better public transportation system.
Most of what I have written today is aimed at USA but is true in other parts of the world as well. Canada, UK, China, Japan, Sweden, it doesn’t matter which country; CO2 emissions must be reduced. Building functioning and environmental friendly commute systems are a crucial factor in changing the habits of commuters. We can’t reduce the dependence on oil, and the following environmental problems, without changing habits. And then we are back were we started.
Well, I think I have ranted enough for today. Feel free to comment, and give tips about how to change people’s habits. Good ones will be quoted in a later entry. And remember to follow us on twitter and facebook. And Commute Greener!
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Fredrik
