Letter to the Mayor RE: Car-Free Day

Mayor Peter Kelly and HRM Councillors,
HRM, PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS B3J 3A5
22 March, 2001

Dear Mayor Kelly and Councillors,

On behalf of GPIAtlantic I am writing to express my strong support for “Car-Free Day” as an event that can help raise awareness and focus attention on the need for sustainable transportation policies in the Halifax Metro area.

Our recently released Ecological Footprint study reports that only 11% of Haligonians use public transportation to work compared to the Canadian metropolitan area average of 15%. Less than 2% currently bicycle. A 1998 Environics survey that indicated 70% of Canadians would cycle to work if they had access to a dedicated bike lane by which they could get to work in less than 30 minutes. Assuming 5 km as a conservative distance to bicycle in 30 minutes, and based on current commuting distances, this indicates that 25% of commuters would likely be willing to cycle to work if there were more bicycle lanes in Metro.

The Ecological Footprint study found that a switch from driving alone to taking the bus can reduce an individual's commuting footprint by up to 79%. A switch from driving to cycling can reduce the impact of commuting on the environment by up to 92%. If you are interested in further details, we have left the full report with P. J. Temple and Barb Nehiley on your HRM staff. The report contains a separate chapter on the HRM ecological footprint, and HRM is gratefully acknowledged in the report for providing assistance through the Grants Program.

In short, “Car-Free Day” can draw attention to the true costs of transportation, including accidents, greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts on the environment, and it can suggest ways towards more sustainable transportation options in the future. I know, through your championing of commuter rail, that you have a personal commitment to a more sustainable future and to the promotion of viable public transportation options. Your personal support for “Car-Free Day” and that of Council would set an inspiring example to Metro citizenry that can lay the ground for increased awareness and action on these vital issues.

HRM’s remarkable lead in dramatically reducing solid waste and in passing the pesticide By-Law has already established this municipality as a leader in environmental responsibility in North America, and as a model for other cities. Effective action to reduce car-dependence and promote sustainable transportation will decisively strengthen this reputation and create tremendous pride among citizens. “Car-Free Day” is an excellent starting point!

Yours sincerely,

Ronald Colman, Ph.D,
Director, GPIAtlantic