Great green cities are places where walking and cycling are the safest and most convenient ways of getting around, and transit is fast, frequent, reliable, and accessible to everyone. Encouraging sustainable transportation makes sense for many reasons:
- Air pollution and climate change – Motor vehicles are among of the largest sources of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, causing global warming, ecological damage, and reduced air quality. In Vancouver, light duty vehicles accounted for over 30% of GHG emissions in 2008.
- Habitat and farmland preservation – Green transportation cities are compact places, allowing for preservation and restoration of important agricultural lands and ecologically sensitive areas.
- Resiliency – Green transportation cities are better prepared to deal with peak oil, since they are less reliant on fossil fuels.
- Health – Sustainable transportation choices mean healthier and more active citizens, improved air quality, and reduced accident risk, resulting in higher quality of life and significantly reduced public healthcare costs.
- Community vibrancy – Cities that focus on moving people rather than cars have more vibrant public spaces, and provide richer cultural experiences and more opportunities for social interaction.
- Affordability – Sustainable transportation costs a lot less than driving, especially if the need to own a car is eliminated. Households that go car-lite or car-free can save thousands of dollars each year.
- Economic vitality – Money saved by not driving or owning a car can be spent locally, generating economic activity and jobs.
- Goods movement – Sustainable transportation choices help get more cars off the road, helping to ensure efficient flow of goods and supporting the local economy.
