Ameriprise, IBM, Fresh Energy. Not exactly three Minnesota organizations that most folks would expect to read together, but the three of us were recently named for the same award--Bronze Status as a "Bicycle Friendly Business" by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). We beat out companies the likes of Union Pacific Railroad, Assurant Health, and (ironically) Live Green Apartments to become one of 51 organizations nationwide to be recognized.
If you've been keeping up with Fresh Energy's Transportations Connections Department, you've probably heard about its push for a state Complete Streets policy. The measure aims to make streets safer and more accessible through various planning measures. This includes sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and shoulders. But as far as understanding how exactly these road changes would equal improved safety and a cleaner environment, it's a little bit difficult to get from point A to point B--no transportation pun intended. I didn't have a clear understanding of it, myself, until I actually saw it last week.
Representatives and partners of ElectriCharge Mobility visited Fresh Energy yesterday to talk about some exciting developments in the field of electric vehicle transportation. Partner Paul Axt said people often view the development of the industry as a chicken-and-egg problem between the vehicles and their charging stations. What must come first to grow the other? ElectriCharge Mobility and charging-station developer Coulomb Technologies believe we first need to show people charging stations are widespread and accessible, in order for people to purchase electric vehicles.
Complete Streets means that our roads are designed and operated to be safe and accessible for pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists, and drivers - all users, regardless of age or ability. Why is this important? Because too often we build roads that simply aren't safe for pedestrians, people with disabilities, bicyclists, transit riders, and older drivers. Everyone is impacted by "incomplete" streets, which lead to more injuries, fatalities, and very real barriers in our transportation system.
On Rail: The Federal Rail Administration (FRA) is working out the process, criteria, and priorities it will use to award $8 billion in grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for high-speed rail projects. Minnesota has been collaborating with Wisconsin and, at a meeting with FRA in Chicago on June 1, the two states stressed the following key messages.
Transportation generated a lot of discussion at the Minnesota Capitol this year. Topics included discussions around transportation-related economic stimulus spending, the need to solve the Twin Cities transit shortfall, the excitement of high-speed rail and new transitways, and some innovative transportation policy ideas. While there were a number of important steps taken to support cleaner transportation choices, there were several pieces left undone.
During these challenging economic times, we simply cannot afford to make it harder for people to get to work. Yet, transit systems across the country are facing service cuts and fare increases (CNN reports) because of underperforming funding sources.
President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Department of Transportation Administrator Ray LaHood announced the release of a Strategic Plan for high speed rail today.
Spring is here and some of us at Fresh Energy are biking to work. How 'bout you?
According to 1 World 2 Wheels, by riding your bike 8 miles total (4 miles to work and back), 3 times a week, you will save 23.28 lbs of CO2, burn 1,128 calories, and save $5.28 in gas.
If you do this every week of the year, you'll save 1,210.56 lbs of CO2, burn 58,656 calories, and save $274.56 in gas.
What this all means is that you can eat one more Krispy Kreme donut this year without feeling guilty.
There were 95 million transit riders in the Twin Cities in 2008, roughly 5.8 million (or 6.5 percent) more than in 2007. That marks the highest ridership level since 1981! While the national numbers have not yet been officially released, Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar reported to the state Legislature yesterday that there were 367 million new transit riders across the country. That is one million more per day!
Fresh Energy Blog 
Ameriprise, IBM, Fresh Energy. Not exactly three Minnesota organizations that most folks would expect to read together, but the three of us were recently named for the same award--Bronze Status as a "Bicycle Friendly Business" by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). We beat out companies the likes of Union Pacific Railroad, Assurant Health, and (ironically) Live Green Apartments to become one of 51 organizations nationwide to be recognized. 