It might seem like a very modest suggestion, but what if cities, counties, states, and other jurisdictions like the Board of Elections encouraged people to vote by biking or walking to their polling place. “I biked to vote” or “I walked to vote” stickers could be used as a substitute for the “I voted” stickers now available.
Why might this be important? Consider that: 28% of all car trips are less than a mile; that a “cold start” (where the car first is turned on during the day) uses far more gasoline for that < than a mile trip and generates far more pollutants than any other point in a car’s journey; and that the reduction of the number of polling places generates more parking problems and more “cruising for parking” taking place, which itself consumes more gasoline.
It might be symbolic but short trips are precisely the area where biking and walking are more efficient and less costly and ultimately healthier for both people and the planet!
I like it!
Next sticker: I rode my bike to the wetcleaner. ;)
Posted by: Amanda | July 17, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Voting with your feet! I like it.
Posted by: Debra Eschmeyer | July 17, 2008 at 09:58 AM