October 23, 2009 | 2 Comments
By Erica Schlaikjer

Tomorrow is the International Day of Climate Action,  an international movement launched by environmentalist and activist Bill McKibben of 350.org.
The 350 campaign encourages people around the world to organize an “action” — a music and arts …

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Senate Briefing Focuses on “Moving Cooler” Report
October, 23 2009 | One Comment
"Freeways" by renowned American photographer Ansel Adams.

"Freeways" by renowned American photographer Ansel Adams.

A briefing hosted by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) yesterday delved into the transportation’s impact on carbon emissions and examined different strategies that can be incorporated into upcoming climate and transportation legislation to reduce a sector of the economy that contributes 28% of the United State’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Recognizing the profound link between transportation and climate change panel-member Paul Schmid, Legislative Assistant to Senator Tom Carper (D-Delaware), said that what’s needed is strong federal “transportation bill with a climate change focus and a climate bill with a transportation focus.”

The briefing focused on a report called Moving Cooler that was released in June and sponsored by a coalition of federal agencies, transportation organizations, and environmental groups. Between 1990 and 2006, transportation contributed almost one half of the increase in US GHG emission . EESI notes that:

“Despite prospects for more efficient vehicles and lower-carbon fuels, total carbon emissions from the transportation sector are projected to remain relatively unchanged unless rising trends in overall travel demand and improvements in system efficiency are addressed. Climate legislation that establishes a market price for carbon emissions is estimated to have a lesser effect on transportation emissions…”

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Rea Vaya On the Move in Joburg, South Africa
October, 21 2009 | No Comment
Rea Vaya On the Move in Joburg, South Africa

[Editor's Note: This post was written by Aileen Carrigan, who returned to the United States in June after completing her fellowship as a transportation planner for the Rea Vaya project team.]
The City of Johannesburg launched …

I’m New Here
October, 20 2009 | No Comment
I’m New Here

Today is my first day at TheCityFix where I’ll be blogging full-time over the course of the next three months. I graduated from University of Maryland with a degree in Environmental Economics in 2007 and recently …

The Pedicab Experience
October, 20 2009 | No Comment
The Pedicab Experience

While TheCityFix has made the case for the pedicab before, it’s always good (but rare) to see a writer from the “mainstream media” lauding the three-wheeled transport option. The Times’ Ariel Kaminar’s sensitive and experiential inquiry provides …

Must Dark Days Precede Bike Infrastructure Gains?
October, 15 2009 | No Comment
Must Dark Days Precede Bike Infrastructure Gains?

Following all the excitement of Walk 21,  where the advantages of walking and bicycling infrastructure frequently took center stage, it’s a bit sobering to take note of what happens in the absence of such facilities.  …

“Low Carbon, Competitive Cities” at the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Transport
October, 13 2009 | No Comment
“Low Carbon, Competitive Cities” at the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Transport

The Center for Sustainable Transport in Mexico (CTS-México) is hosting the Fifth International Conference on Sustainable Transport this week, presenting lectures and discussions around the theme of “Low Carbon, Competitive Cities. The annual conference, held …

SeeClickFix Adds New Features, Gets Smarter
October, 9 2009 | No Comment
SeeClickFix Adds New Features, Gets Smarter

Big news from our partners at SeeClickFix, the online mapping tool that helps citizens take direct action to fix problems in their community: they’ve preloaded the boundaries of 25,000 cities and towns — and more …

Going Dutch in New York
October, 9 2009 | 3 Comments
Going Dutch in New York

A temporary bike share (courtesy of the Dutch Embassy) was definitely one of the highlights of my recent trip to New York City, which all year has been celebrating the 400th anniversary of Captain Henry …

Reading, Writing and…Walking?
October, 7 2009 | No Comment
Reading, Writing and…Walking?

Conveniently coinciding with the annual Walk21 conference in New York City, October 7th has been designated as International Walk to School Day. A handful of American students will grab their backpacks, tie their laces, and …

Walk21: More Footprints, Less Carbon
October, 7 2009 | 2 Comments
Walk21: More Footprints, Less Carbon

From Oct. 7-9, New York City will host the 10th annual Walk21 conference to promote walking and livable communities.
The themes for the conference are:

Theme 1: Walkable communities are sustainable communities
Theme 2: Paved with gold: investing …

Open Cities: New Media’s Role in Shaping Urban Policy
October, 6 2009 | No Comment
Open Cities: New Media’s Role in Shaping Urban Policy

Today and tomorrow, Next American City will be hosting a series of panel discussions on “Open Cities: New Media’s Role in Shaping Urban Policy.”
EMBARQ Information & Innovation Director Rhys Thom will be presenting on how …