Seasons The Greening of Maplewood
Winter 2014 Think Outside the Car By Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
The government surveyors that traversed Maplewood in 1848 recorded several roads or wagon trails, most of which had formed along early Native American trails. Foot travel and wagon carts eventually gave way to trucks and cars, as Maplewood became one of St. Paul’s bedroom communities. Past development practices supported public spending for new roads that led to urban sprawl and a car-dependent culture. As a result, traffic volumes have increased and now exceed the intended street capacity in many parts of the Twin Cities. There are also environmental and health impacts of a car-dependent culture. Gasoline and diesel fuel vehicle emissions cause air pollution and respiratory health concerns, rates of accidental death and obesity rise, stormwater runoff from highways and roads pollute our waterways. What can we do to break free from our vehicle dependency? Think outside the car.
Biking, walking, and public transit are better for the environment, your health, and your wallet. The American Automobile Association estimated the average annual expense of owning and operating a car at $10,374 in 2013. Downsizing to one car can save a lot of money. Leaving your car at home just two days per week can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by over 3,000 pounds per year. Maplewood’s transportation goals include providing residents with mobility options that encourage biking, walking, and staying active. All City road reconstruction projects now follow the Living Streets guidelines. These guidelines upgrade streets to better accommodate biking, walking, and transit users while incorporating green infrastructure such as trees and rain gardens on street edges. The City is also committed to constructing trail connections to ensure safe access. The Safe Routes to School program is helping provide a much-needed trail connection along County Road B, creating a safe walking and biking trail for students of Weaver Elementary and John Glenn Middle Schools (see page 3). Maplewood is also
working towards reducing the environmental impacts of our city fleet (see page 3). The Metropolitan Council and other regional transportation planners are finding new ways to encourage biking, walking, and public transit in the suburbs. Planning is underway for the Gateway Corridor, a bus rapid transit system along 12 miles of Highway 94, between St. Paul and Woodbury. In addition, the Bus Improvement Plan was just unveiled by the Metropolitan Council to guide future expansion of local and express bus service. Improvements will add service to existing routes, enhance connectivity, and introduce more reverse commute options. Thinking outside the car can be difficult in our car-dependent culture. Taking steps to reduce vehicle miles or reduce idling can be a good first step. To see how other residents are breaking free from vehicle dependency, refer to the articles on page 2.
Sustainable
Maplewood
Break Free From Vehicle Dependency
Craig Bikes to Work
Ed Walks the Gateway Trail
Kathleen Uses Park and Ride
Kids at the Nature Center Try Snowshoeing