Complete Streets: Environment
Uploaded by
League of Michigan BicyclistsComplete Streets: Environment
Uploaded by
League of Michigan BicyclistsWhy we need Complete Streets: Environment
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases (GHG). These
include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. The
can occur naturally and also be produced by humans, through activities such as driving. Many
scientists cite greenhouse gas emissions as one of the primary causes of climate change and
global warming.
Studies indicate that more efficient fuels and
What is a Complete Street?
‘cleaner’ vehicles will be unable to offset the
projected increases in both driving and GHG1. Yet
many continue to use the automobile as their
primary source of transportation, even to travel
short distances. This is in part due to incomplete
roadway infrastructure, which makes it dangerous
and/or inconvenient to walk, bike or ride public
transit. Complete Streets will create communities
where residents feel comfortable walking and
bicycling, making both themselves and the
A Complete Street is a roadway
environment healthier.
designed to meet the needs of all
users, regardless of age or ability. For Greenhouse Gas Emissions
far too long, local and statewide In 2005, transportation accounted for 24% of
transportation policy focused solely Michigan’s total greenhouse gas emissions and
on the needs of motorists. This has 74% of those emissions came from automobiles.
created an unsafe environment for And these emissions keep rising – between 1990
many nonmotorized sectors of the
and 2005, transportation GHG rose 1.1% each
population, such as pedestrians,
year.2
bicyclists, older citizens, and persons
with disabilities. Streets that are
“complete” will allow everyone to
travel safely and conveniently.
Transportation Alternatives
Incomplete roadway infrastructure makes it dangerous and/or inconvenient to walk, bike or ride
public transit, thus encouraging residents to drive their cars for even the shortest of trips.
Approximately 50% of all trips in metropolitan areas are three miles or less, and 28% of all
metropolitan trips are one mile or less – distances easily traveled by foot or bicycle3. However,
65% of those trips under one mile are made by automobile. By investing in transportation
infrastructure – including
transit, pedestrian and bicycle
facilities – communities can
encourage their residents to
chose alternative forms of
transportation, other than the
automobile. Such
investments can improve air
quality and energy efficiency,
and reduce noise pollution.4
How Can I Help?
Have your business/organization join the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition today! The
Coalition is a network of over 70 diverse organizations and businesses throughout Michigan,
who have united to voice their support for Complete Streets initiatives on the local, regional and
statewide level. Visit the “Partners” section at www.micompletestreets.org/ for more
information. Or contact John Lindenmayer, [email protected].
1
See “Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reference Case Projections 1990 – 2025.” Center for Climate Strategies. Nov. 2008.
Web. 30 June 2010. < http://www.miclimatechange.us/ewebeditpro/items/O46F20484.pdf>
2
See “Michigan Climate Action Plan: MCAC Final Report – March 2009.” Michigan Climate Action Council, Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality. March 2009. Web. 30 June 2010. < http://www.miclimatechange.us/stakeholder.cfm>
3
See “2001 National Household Travel Survey.” U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.” [n.d.]
Web. 30 June 2010. < http://nhts.ornl.gov/>
4
See “Environmental Benefits of Transportation Investment.” Cambridge Systematics, Inc. Jan. 2002. Web. 30 June 2010. <
http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/images/uploads/Env_Benefits_of_Transportation_Investment.pdf>
