U.S. Anti-driving Trend Continues, Could Grow

The new American pastime – leaving the car at home – continued at a record-setting pace in June, as the Federal Highway Administration reported that since November 2007, we have now driven 53.2 billion fewer miles than during the same period in 2006-2007. In June alone, Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles than in June 2007.

We could be driving even less. According to an AARP poll, one-third (29%) of Americans age 50 and over would give up their cars if streets, sidewalks and public transportation systems were more accessible. And they may become that way.

Improved accessibility could be coming in the form of the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2008, now introduced in both houses of Congress. The bill would ensure that any roads built with federal funds be designed to serve the needs of pedestrians – including people on bicycles or those riding public transportation, as well as those with disabilities.

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