Wiki Wednesday: Zero VMT Vehicles

Aerorider_Sun_Microsystems.jpg
In a StreetsWiki entry on zero VMT vehicles,
Streetsblog regular gecko proposes that a focus on shifting mode share
to human-powered vehicles like bikes and the Aerorider (right) would be
the most efficient means to bring necessary reductions in greenhouse
gases, and would transform Manhattan, for one, into a bright green
paradise.

Since it is only people
that are being moved, using modular vehicles the size and weight of
human beings, and optimally much smaller, is a much better, more agile
and cost-effective way to move them. Bicycles would be the first step
in achieving such systems, by converting 40% of New York City travel to
cycling, as in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Borrowing from successes of
Parisian Vélib and German public bike systems, scaled up to
significantly service New York’s 8.5 million daily commuter population,
will be the most expedient cost-effective first step in implementing
modern and immediately valuable transit improvements.

Ultimately, if zero VMT vehicles replace standard vehicles there may be justification to consider them negative VMT vehicles;
doubly so if they can serve as modular components of transit systems to
greatly improve systemic efficiencies, practicality, and costs.

We
could see this entry being expanded with info, for instance, on how
bike share can serve to complement existing transit systems by
relieving overcrowding. Any takers? If so, sign up for Livable Streets account to add to this or any other article.

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

Today’s Headlines

|
Pasadena Reviewing Fate Of Canceled 710 Freeway Housing (Pasadena Now) South L.A. Community Plan Update Aims To Shift Development To Commercial Corridors (Urbanize) California Ends Parking Mandates At Transit-Rich Locations (LAT) Southeast L.A. Toxic Tours Teach About Pollution And Resistance (LAist) 8 Places To Bike In Southern California (LAT) …9 Groups To Bike So Cal […]

Today’s Headlines

|
More On October 7 K/Crenshaw Line Opening (The Source, LAT, Daily News) United To House L.A. Could Fund Housing Needs (L.A. Taco) County Ends Mask Mandate On Transit (LAT) Metro Approves Motion To Advance Bus/BRT/Rail On Vermont (Daily News) Advisory Commission Approves Pasadena Ped Plan (Pasadena Now) Metrolink Train Stalled Due To Wire Theft (Daily […]