Comment Log Display

Hi:

I'm writing to express support for investing cap-and-trade funds
solely in active transportation solutions (public transportation,
biking and walking).  I'm a professor of public health at USC and
understand first hand the importance to health and a sense of
community of investing in infrastructure that supports active
transportation (particularly in lower income neighborhoods).

Just to give a specific, simple example.  I happen to live in one
of these lower-income (but up-and-coming) neighborhoods of Los
Angeles (Highland Park).  My neighbors, my wife and I have talked
about how we would love to walk to close-by facilities (a
restaurant, coffee shop, pharmacy, and local hardware store) but
often choose not to simply because the sidewalks are deteriorating,
or because we have to walk along one of the busiest streets in our
community (Ave. 64) and it's simply not enjoyable to have cars
racing by just feet from you, while you're walking.

If cap-and-trade funds were used to repair sidewalks or ideally
extend the width of sidewalks by a foot or two, or add bike-lanes
(or a planted birm) as a buffer between pedestrians and cars, we
would all feel more comfortable walking those many weekly short
trips instead of driving.  We love the bus-stop close to our homes
and helping to make more options like light rail available (instead
of something like the proposed 710 tunnel) would do so much more
for our communities and public health.

Thanks very much for the opportunity to comment and your
consideration.