CommuterPageBlog

Drive Less & Stop Building Those Car-Dependant Developments in the Exurbs

That's the message I took away from the fascinating article in yesterday's Washington Post (D.C. Area Sees Spike In Rate of Emissions, David Fahrenthold, April 29, 2007) about how the Washington area's emissions of greenhouse gas from vehicles and electricity has increased more than twice the national rate recently. And it seems that our rate of emissions is growing even faster than the rate our population is growing. Why? Because our growth is occurring in those far flung exurbs where you have to drive to pick up the paper and get a carton of milk. The Post noted D.C.'s emissions were less than the suburbs. 

Recently Arlington, Fairfax and the State of Maryland have launched green initiatives. And many individuals are taking action (the Post talks about Arlington County School Board Member Ed Fendly - pictured here riding his bike to work - as an example). It seems we'll have to think both short and long term. We'll need to start conserving and reducing our energy consumption now and we'll need to build our new communities more compactly and close to transit or better yet do more infill development instead of gobbling up what remains of the farms and forests in our hinterlands.

The article points out we need better data and it underscores how much work we all have to do if we are going to begin to make a dent in slowing the growth rate in carbon dioxide emissions before we can even think of starting reducing it. It's a good thing concerned people are starting to take notice and take action. Start today by choosing to drive less. We can help.

Enjoy the article. For more information on how you can take action here are some links: AIRE blog; AIRE website; AIRE Transportation. If you know of other good sites, please let us know.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Hal Grades Your Bike Locking

There's a great short film by the folks over at StreetFilms titled "Hal Grades Your Bike Locking" which was posted for the first week of Bike Month which is May. In this film, bike mechanic Hal of Bicycle Habitat in Manhattan walks through his shop's neighborhood grading the locking of bike owners. Bikes with both wheels and the seatpost properly locked get an A, however, those who only lock their bike frame get an F as thieves could remove the wheels in a matter of 8 seconds. It's a great instructional video for those who have been fortunate and never had their bike messed with as well as those who have and want to prevent it from happening in the future.

by Paul DeMaio, BikeArlington

Driving Sucks

Don't take it from me, take it from The Green Miles blogger and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) Chair, Miles Grant in one of his latest posts (Green Living Challenge #4: Driving Sucks, April 27, 2007). Says Miles: "I was going to come up with some flowery title like, "Why I Wouldn't Drive to Work Even If They Let Me Park for Free," which is true, but why say all that when you can sum it up in two words: Driving sucks." He goes on to explain why it does and why he walks and takes Metro instead. While you are checking out Mile's post, also check out ACE's Green Living Challenge and see how many points you can earn for not driving. Yea Miles!

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Saving the Environment One Bus Ride at a Time

My name is Eric, and I love riding Metro bus.

I feel like I am entering a 12-step program when I say that. When I tell people where I work (Shirlington) and then tell them I usually take Metro to work, I always get this strange look, and then the conversation goes something like this:

Eric: I take the bus from Pentagon station.

Other Person: Oh, isn't that hard?

Eric: No, it's really easy, and frequently takes less time than driving to work, plus it's a great time to read, which is the best part.

Other Person: Oh. I didn't know it was that easy.

So, to everyone out there who doesn't ride the bus becuase you think it's too hard or too inconvenient, you don't know what you are missing!

First, www.wmata.com makes it really easy to find the bus you want to take, and SmartTrip makes it really easy to pay. Second, it doesn't take that much longer than driving. Third, you get to relax and read. Metrobuses are often less crowded than trains, so it makes a nice trip. Did I mention, I get to read?  Yes, the bus isn't always perfectly on time, but it's generally really close.

I confess, sometimes I'm tempted. Sometimes driving seems so much more convenient. And then I remember how much good I do for the environment by leaving my car at home and that often will push be back towards the bus. Yes, I do take my car some days; sometimes I have to go somewhere after work, or have a late meeting, and feel like I need my car. But I know that each bus trip I take helps (does anybody out there have a great statistic on that?), and so I'm going to take the bus as much as I can.

So for all you out there who think you have to drive because there isn't a train stop near your home or work -- it's time to catch the bus!

Eric Legg, Editor, What's Up Arlington!

Will America's Tolerance for Gas Guzzlers Remain Forever?

The answer is, eventually no, according to Stein Leikanger writing in an editorial today (Congestion Charging at The Energy Lean Buffet, April 26, 2007) on The Truth About Cars blog. Specifically he says "Whether it takes a cataclysmic economic shock, or a gradual increase in gasoline prices, or environmental concern/lobbying, the U.S. will eventually move more in line with the European model and begin adopting European ”energy lean” solutions." According to Leikanger that means more fuel efficient transport. He cites the fact that Warren Buffett is moving his money to trains, green energy alternatives and electronic cars as a harbinger of things to come.

The author discusses London considering an "emissions influenced charging" to it's current Congestion Zone pricing, meaning that gas guzzlers would pay more to get into the City than other vehicles and other European cities that are considering emissions-based road pricing. Leikanger's point is that if you want to see our future, look across the Atlantic to Europe, where he says they are a decade ahead of the U.S.

All very interesting stuff and worth the read.

Enjoy!

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Ride-sharing 2.0

In my family's efforts to stay a one-car household, I've always benefited from the kindness of strangers...and friends.  Public transportation isn't always an option for the many after-work events and I often have taken the leap of faith that I will find someone willing to drop me off somewhere on their way home.

Zipcar founder Robin Chase has taken her own leap of faith with a new web start-up aimed at helping people like me find rides AND to help facilitate paying back all those kind strangers. The ride-sharing service is called GoLoco.

This week's edition of Newsweek has the story.  (DCist also blogged about it for Earthday).

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Kevin Beekman lives in Alexandria, VA

Easing Traffic Not So Easy

According to a story in the Washington Post this morning (Hard Realities Outlined on Easing Traffic, by Miranda Spivack, April 25, 2007), that was the message from the Montgomery County Planning Board's Chairman, Royce Hanson saying that County officials needed to face some hard realities when it comes to reducing traffic. Mr. Hanson (pictured here) said that barring a "big gasoline tax or substantially limiting parking in new developments" it seems the solutions point toward "in-fill development and multi-family homes that come in older parts of the county, where once-sleepy suburbs such as Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton are being transformed into bustling urban villages. It also means that there need to be alternatives to the automobile and incentives to get people to carpool or use public transportation." More and more it seems like the region is coming around to this realization. We're glad Arlington is already building on this model. It's worth checking out the story.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Confident City Cycling Class This Saturday

Four FREE Confident City Cycling Classes will be in Arlington this spring, the first of which is this Saturday. BikeArlington and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association offer this 3-hour class for cyclists 16 and over.

Topics include:                        

• Rules of the Road: Knowing is half the battle! Did you know that you have to adhere to the same rules of the road as a car or truck does? Did you know that you have the same rights the operator of a car has? Our course offers some great tips and tricks for safely and legally using our roadways.
• Avoiding the Common Causes of Crashes: Believe it or not, most crashes are avoidable. Learn what to do if a car turns suddenly in front of you. If you have to stop suddenly, what to do to avoid the dreaded car door and much more!
• Lane Positioning: Do you ever feel like cars are passing you too closely or running you into the gutter? Learn proper lane positioning to encourage drivers to pass you at a safe distance. Also learn how to safely cross lanes of traffic in order to made turns or avoid obstacles in the road.
• Improving Pedaling Efficiency: Bicycling shouldn’t be backbreaking work! The bicycle is one of the most efficient inventions of all time, so make the most of it! Learn how to shift gears in anticipation of a hill, achieve a good cadence, and minimize the wear and tear on your knees.
• Useful Accessory Equipment: We all know you need a helmet, but learn some other   helpful and handy equipment to make your ride more enjoyable.
• Basic Bike Maintenance and Repair: Everyone who rides a bike should know some basic repair and maintenance skills. Learn how to change a flat tire and other emergency repair tips.

For more information and to register, visit WABA. Registration is limited, so sign-up soon.

by Paul DeMaio, BikeArlington

Common Sense Trumps Technology When it Comes to Protecting Our HOV Lanes

"Common sense trumps technology" says Bob Hugman who has carpooled between his home in Woodbridge and his job in Rosslyn using the I-395 HOV lanes since 1988. Mr. Hugman, who wrote a wonderful opinion piece in the Washington Post's Close to Home section a few weeks back (More on Those Lexus, um HOT Lanes, April 8, 2007), was referring to the pro-Lexus (HOT) lanes folks who claim that technology will solve the problem of mixing paying SOV travelers with carpoolers. Says Mr. Hugman in a Comment last night to a recent post on the subject (Lexus Lane Plan Too Good to be True? Let's Give it More Time Before Rushing to a Decision, April 18, 2007):

"...Of course it will be possible to differentiate the toll payers and the HOVs with a cop at every ramp. It is just going to seriously inconvenience all of the carpools and vanpools every single day. Enforcement now is random, not full time. Full time enforcement (am and pm) of HOV even now would create a lot of problems. Thats why it isn't done. It is so tiresome to read the smug pro-HOT comments that smart tag and dynamic technology will solve everything. Common sense trumps technology."

In another comment on another post (Another Voice: HOT Lanes Make Sense, March 29, 2007) Mr. Hugman says:

"I note that the pro HOT crowd consistently ignores two key facts: 1. There is a difference between a new build HOT lane and a conversion, such as is planned for 395. 2. The 395 corridor is a major HOV success story. Basically all other HOTs in the country were failed HOV systems. The greatest argument against HOT lanes is the threat to the existing HOV. The fairness issue is a side issue compared to the potential to damage HOV."

Since the region's Transportation Planning Board (TPB) has delayed action (Board Delays Action on Va. HOT Lanes Proposal, April 19, 2007; by Eric Weiss, Washington Post) on approving turning over the HOV lanes to the private sector to run as Lexus (HOT) lanes for another month, will more carpoolers, vanpoolers, slugs and transit riders now using the lanes speak up? Let's hope so. Stay tuned...

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Priceless

New hybrid bike: $315. Sturdy u-lock: $29. Being untethered from my car: priceless!

I am a new bike owner, just in time for the gorgeous weather over the weekend! Biking in Arlington is awesome -- the dedicated bike lanes make it easy and safe and the trails are spectacular.

My husband and I took a nice long ride from Clarendon, along the Potomac River, down to Old Town, and back home through Crystal City. The views along the Potomac are spectacular and much more enjoyable on a leisurely bike pace vs. zooming along the Parkway.

Look at some of the beautiful sights we saw this weekend. Lady Byrd Johnson Park is in full tulip splendor.

Watching the planes take off just over my head gave me goosebumps. At the sailing marina just south of DCA, I realized that we could view just about every type of transportation modality -- airplane, rail, car, boat, bike, pedestrian!

On our way home, we went through Crystal City, where we took a rest at the wonderful little Water Park and cooled off our tootsies. On our last leg, we stopped at the spectacular Air Force Memorial.

Here in Arlington, we have so many wonderful sights -- many of which can't be truly appreciated while you're whizzing by in your car. The weather's beautiful -- get out of your car and GET OUT THERE!

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Diana Sun is Director of Communications for Arlington County, a walking commuter, a brand-spanking-new biker, and a happy resident of the urban village of Clarendon.