Many cities around the world are re-designing their transportation infrastructure to emphasize walking, biking, and transit, to both address climate change and to create more livable,
people friendly communities. Fossil fuel based transportation modes, such as autos and trucks are one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. One of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions is to re-direct travel to more sustainable modes - and those modes are walking, biking, and transit.

Below are some videos from Santa Monica, California and Vancouver, Canada, which illustrate how these North American cities are incorporating new infrastructure to give people sustainable travel options. Both cities have long range transportation plans that are designed to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions - and at the same time will make their cities more attractive and livable.  The videos linked below were produced by Streetfilms, an educational non-profit.

Santa Monica, CA has a new light rail line, and enhanced bike & bus network:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz6LR8mYAbU   

Vancouver, Canada, has worked to coordinate its bike network and transit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S84OqxkY0gY   

Vancouver, Canada, has increased bicycle use with good cycle track design:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cldV98BB3PA 

Streetfilms produces short films showing how smart transportation design and policy can result in better places to live, work and play.

Founded in 2006, Streetfilms has become the go-to organization for educational films about sustainable transportation, and inspires action and behavioral change worldwide. Individuals, public agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and transportation advocacy groups use Streetfilms to educate decision makers and make change for livable streets in their communities.

More info on Streetfilms is available here: http://www.streetfilms.org/about/     

This article submitted by Frank Blake, frankblake@juno.com