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March 31, 2009
Dear Friend,
Why don't we have a better mass transit system in Rhode Island? We're small, densely populated, and begging for economic development. It seems silly that a state that produces no oil, builds no cars, and has precious little open space would be so dominated by a transportation system that requires massive imports and land area. Well, there is a solution - if we start addressing our transportation needs by providing better options. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has the opportunity to completely change course and move our state in the direction of clean, affordable transportation choices that reduce global warming pollution, generate economic development - including green jobs, and transport us to energy independence. So what are we waiting for? Now's the time!
| 1) Transportation solutions, not obstacles |
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 It is unfortunate that often, people are ready to find an obstacle to really good ideas. Not Chicago. The winner of a recent competition in that city plans to reach a transit ridership record to get cars off the road, reduce global warming pollution, and build the demand for more transportation choices. If the Rhode Island Department of Transportation were really serious about reducing global warming pollution and making the Ocean State more energy independent, we would see this kind of plan here. Why not? Rhode Island is the smallest, second most densely populated state in the nation. Perfect recipe to really change the way we get around - if we have the creativity. You can tell the DOT to start with transportation choices. Take Action>>>
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| 2) VIDEO: Bus Rapid Transit and Bicycles Share Routes |
 The Sierra Club's RI Chapter Transportation Chair, Jonathan Harris found this really neat video about how the city of Los Angeles creatively incorporated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) into its overall transportation plan. Not only that, but they made bicycle commuting central to the BRT line. In fact, a portion of the BRT line is an old rail right of way that is used by the BRT and a bicycle path. It reminds me of the possibilities to have a BRT line between Newport and Providence. Check it out>>> |
| 3) What are Cool CATs? |
Cool CATs are the Sierra Club's Cool Cities Community Action Teams. Cool Cities or Cool Communities are those local governments that sign on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Sierra Club Community Action Teams are teams of volunteer activists who work together to build environmental communities by hosting house parties, going door to door with our message, or participating in phone banks.
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Thank you for signing up for Cool CATs Weekly. Sierra Club volunteers are working in Newport, North Kingstown and Barrington to make one of those communities the next Cool City or Town. Feel free to contact us if you would like to make your city Cool.
Sincerely,
Chris Wilhite
Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter |
Contact Rhode Island Transportation Director Mike Lewis and tell him that we need to start now for real transportation choices.
The time is now to build an energy independent transporation system for the Ocean State.
10 Minutes for Change
Every Wednesday
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Sierra Club Chapter Office
17 Gordon Ave.
Providence 02905
Sierra Club RI Chapter Meeting
Thursday, April 2
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Sierra Club Chapter Office
17 Gordon Ave. 2nd Floor
Providence
Spring for Transportation Choices
Thursday, May 14
Firehouse 13
Time: TBD
41 Central Street
Providence, 02907
RSVP |
