Proposals > A Better Path to Sustainability: Alternative Options to Electric Vehicles in Portland
Hey Portlanders! We all know that tackling the climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges of our time. While electric vehicles (EVs) are often touted as a solution, they’re not the magic bullet we need. Not everyone can afford an EV, and our electric grid isn’t ready to handle a massive influx of them. Plus, more driving, no matter the vehicle, isn’t the answer to climate change. Here’s why, and what we can do about it.
The Problem with More Cars
Cars, even EVs, come with significant downsides:
- Affordability: Many people can’t afford EVs.
- Infrastructure: Our electric grid can’t support a huge number of EVs.
- Traffic & Space: More cars mean more traffic, more parking lots, and more spread-out cities. This makes it hard for anyone without a car to get around.
- Environmental Impact: Producing EVs and the need for mining minerals are still harmful to the environment. Also, 90% of emissions come from tires wearing down, which contribute to asthma and other health issues.
A Better Way Forward
Instead of focusing solely on EVs, we need to make it easier for people to drive less and use other forms of transportation. Here’s how we can do it:
- Improve Pedestrian Infrastructure: Let’s make walking pleasant and safe. More sidewalks, better crosswalks, and pedestrian-friendly streets can encourage people to walk more.
- Safe Biking Infrastructure: Protected bike lanes on both major and minor roads will make biking a safer and more attractive option. Let’s ensure there are plenty of secure bike parking spots in city buildings and public places.
- Better Bus Lanes: Reliable and fast public transit is key. Dedicated bus lanes that allow buses to run smoothly and on time can make taking the bus a more attractive option than driving.
- Commute Cash-Out Programs: When employers offer free parking, employees are more likely to drive. Instead, let’s encourage employers to offer a “commute cash-out” program. If an employee opts out of their parking spot, they get the money that spot would have cost the employer, which they can use for other, greener transportation options.
- Inclusive Transportation Options: Not everyone has the ability or opportunity to drive. This includes older adults, young people, individuals with disabilities, undocumented community members, and those without a license. We must ensure that our transportation system is accessible and equitable for everyone
Making It Happen
We need to aggressively adopt policies that promote these ideas. Here are a few steps we can take:
- Expand Bike & Pedestrian Networks: Invest in more bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly areas.
- Incentivize Public Transit: Provide subsidies or incentives for using public transit, making it a more attractive option.
- Support Local Employers: Encourage businesses to adopt commute cash-out programs and offer incentives for employees who bike, walk, or take public transit.
- Community Engagement: Involve the community in planning and decision-making to ensure solutions meet the needs of everyone, especially those who can’t drive.
By focusing on these alternative transportation options, we can create a city that’s not only more sustainable but also more inclusive and livable for all Portlanders. Let’s work together to drive less and live more!
Join Us in Building a Better Portland
We invite you to join us in advocating for these changes. Let’s make Portland a model for sustainability by creating a city where everyone can get around easily and safely without relying on cars. Together, we can tackle the climate crisis and make our city a better place for everyone.