Comment Log Display

Ms. Nichols, 

WalkSanDiego is one of more than 50 organizations that have signed
on to the Sustainable Communities for All Proposal. We believe the
vision of SB 375 can be achieved equitably and efficiently by
providing transportation and housing choices that allow
Californians to drive less and reduce household costs, especially
for low-income households.

Cap and Trade funds should help California maximize co-benefits of
improved public health, social equity, green jobs and protection of
habitat and agricultural land. As such, we ask that a significant
portion of future cap and trade revenues go to core transit
projects and transit operations to quickly expand service and
increase ridership and active transportation infrastructure to
increase walking and biking trips. Funding active transportation
will help facilitate further reductions in carbon emissions and
create additional health and economic benefits. More than half of
the San Diego regional population spends 30% of their income on
transportation, whereas state and U.S. averages are around 40%.
Biking and walking account for 14% of all trips in the San Diego
region, yet receive just over 3% of regional funds – and statewide
receive only one percent of all transportation funding. 

One percent of funding is inadequate to significantly improve
streets and encourage more active transportation. As a result, we
request that a minimum of 15% of cap and trade revenue be dedicated
to active transportation projects and programs. Many residents in
San Diego comment they would be more likely to ride or walk if they
felt safer. Recent data show that increased investments in biking
and walking infrastructure can decrease GHGs 14%. (Maizlish et al,
Health Co-benefits and Transportation Related Reductions in
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2013).  

Please also ensure that a portion of funding be dedicated to 
education. Based on the success of the Safe Routes to School
program which combines infrastructure and education, this combined
effort is necessary to change travel behavior. Through WalkSanDiego
educational programs, we have seen increases of up to 125% and an
average of 50% of families walking to school after targeted
outreach conducted through Safe Routes to School programs. 

Other recommendations include: 
•	For funding criteria, please ensure that projects are consistent
with the Sustainable Communities Strategy. 
•	Require all transportation projects that receive cap and trade
revenues to address Complete Streets requirements outlined in AB
1358, California’s Complete Streets Act.
•	Use funds to implement transportation demand management
strategies and incentives that reduce both vehicle travel and
ownership. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment,

James D. Stone,

Executive Director