Sustainable Trasportation and Land Use
Overview
Fact: Even during rush hour, most of the driving in our region is not work related. By combining trips, carpooling and choosing alternate modes of transport, we can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
Urban transport systems based around traditional gas-fueled cars are becoming increasingly unsustainable. These systems consume excessive energy and harm the health of many. By increasing sources of – and access to – transportation options, including fuel-efficient hybrids and electric vehicles, communities can become more livable while decreasing air pollution, carbon output and traffic jams!
Land-use planning dictates the transportation options people have. For example, you are less likely to walk somewhere if there’s no sidewalk and maybe you won’t ride your bike if roads lack bike lanes. When done in tandem, sustainable land-use and transportation planning creates more viable options for people to walk, cycle, and take public transportation.
Local Options
While Bethesda provides a wide range of transportation choices, including pedestrian-friendly areas, bike and walking trails, Ride-on, the Bethesda Circulator and Metro, a better infrastructure of choices is needed now and in the future as our population increases.
Working Group Agenda
The Bethesda Green Sustainable Transportation and Land Use working group identifies ways to improve transportation efficiency, reduce gridlock and energy consumption, create a pedestrian and bike friendly lifestyle and leverage local assets like the Capital Crescent Trail and Metro. One of the group’s projects is working with Bethesda Urban Partnership to expand the number of bike racks throughout the downtown business district.
Learn More
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Pedestrian Street Smart. Sure, Bethesda has restaurants, theaters, galleries, boutiques and farmers markets that invite us onto the wide brick sidewalks. But this is no walker’s paradise.
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Bethesda Transportation Solutions
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Transportation Resources. Check out the Resources section to find additional links to information about public transportation – including the free Bethesda Circulator trolley – carpooling, biking, and walking in Bethesda.
Projects to Watch