U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood explains the new emphasis on 'livable and sustainable communities', and walking and biking, calling it a 'game changer' in this short but informative Q & A with the New York Times in its Green Inc. blog.
"The United States transportation secretary, Ray LaHood, recently caused a stir when he proclaimed that bicycling and walking should be given the same consideration as motorized transport in state and local transit projects.
Mr. LaHood, formerly a Republican congressman from Illinois, spoke with Green Inc. about his reasons for introducing the new policy, the impact it will have on transportation financing, and why bike paths are a good bang for the buck."
Q & A follows, consisting of five questions.
LaHood notes that his plugging alternatives to the auto is not so much his agenda as it is that of the American public, adding:
"And what could be healthier than taking a 30-minute walk, which is recommended by every doctor in America, or hopping on your bike and riding four, five or six miles and enjoying the great outdoors?"
LaHood wraps it up by stating the outcome of the League of American Bicyclist's National Bike Summit 2010: "There's an administration in place now that has taken to heart their request for more walking and biking paths."
Thanks to California League of Conservation Voters
Read the full story: Q.&A.: Transportation Secretary on Biking, Walking and ‘What Americans Want’
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