from Bikeleague.org Blog by Darren<\/p>\n
The Advocacy Advance Team, a partnership between the League and the Alliance for Biking & Walking, has released a new report on how bicycling advocates can work with state, city, and university officials to strengthen bicycling-promotion language in Climate Action Plans. Read \u201cClimate Change and Bicycling: How bicycling advocates can help craft comprehensive Climate Action Plans<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Climate Action Plans <\/strong>are strategic and comprehensive tools to combat climate change by reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. They are being written and implemented by cities, states, and universities in lieu of aggressive federal action. Bicycling is a convenient, enjoyable, and efficient way to make short trips \u2013 40 percent of all trips in the United States are two miles or less \u2013 and it does not emit CO2. As a result, policymakers are increasingly turning to promoting bicycling as a way to meet GHG reduction targets.<\/p>\n Bicycling advocates can help shape Climate Action Plans to include pro\u2010bicycling policies. Using case studies and examples from existing plans, this report examines: 1. how pro\u2010bicycling policies have been written into the Climate Action Plans of states, cities, and universities, 2. examples of plans that include bicycling, 3. how bicycling advocates can best support these efforts, and 4. how to ensure that governments follow through on the promises made in their plans.<\/p>\n Bicycling language in Climate Action Plans varies, but here are some key points to advocate for:<\/p>\n VMT and GHG reduction targets <\/strong>\u2013 plans should identify vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets to reach GHG reduction targets. They can also include ambitious bicycle mode\u2010share targets.<\/p>\n Complete the network <\/strong>\u2013 plans should call for the prompt completion of the Bicycle Master Plan, if one exists, or the creation and implementation of one, if not. Improvements to inadequate plans should also be called for.<\/p>\n Funding <\/strong>\u2013 plans should include increased funding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.<\/p>\n Design practices <\/strong>\u2013 plans should call for Complete Streets policies that require the consideration of the needs of all users, and Smart Growth policies that encourage high\u2010density and multi\u2010modal land\u2010use planning. Some plans include incentives or requirements for new buildings to provide showers and changing facilities and secure bicycle parking.<\/p>\n Experienced advocates and climate planning experts recommend that advocates follow these steps:<\/p>\n The process <\/strong>\u2013 Know what the public input process is; offer your advice as an expert<\/p>\n The people <\/strong>\u2013 Know who is writing the plan; build relationships with the officials<\/p>\n The plan <\/strong>\u2013 Contribute ideas, especially existing, well thought\u2010out ones with quantifiable results<\/p>\n The public <\/strong>\u2013 Conduct outreach and build support for the plan<\/p>\n The product <\/strong>\u2013 Use the plan to make things happen; integrate the plan into the operating culture of the agency<\/p>\n Read the full report<\/a> for much more detail and case studies of bicycling advocates who have helped improve their Climate Action Plans.<\/p>\n~Darren Flusche
\n\t\t\t\t\t League Policy Analyst<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n