Car-less (and green) living in Los Angeles

LA Orange Line Bus
Originally uploaded by So Cal Metro

The Los Angeles Times has a blog called Emerald City, the blogmistress, Siel, is described by the paper thusly:

As a teenager, Siel sped past Paramount Studios on the 10 Metro bus to get to Fairfax High School. Now she cuts through the concrete jungle of Los Angeles on her pink Townie bike to shop at local farmers' markets and socialize in pre-loved Prada heels.

Check out this entry, "Freeways have failed us -- Part One: Valley Girls" and this advice:

In 2000, traffic was identified as the second most important community issue in The Valley. The traffic, lack of entertainment options, and urban sprawl are leading to a lower quality of life for all residents, and to generations of valley girls and boys (gasp!) leaving The Valley.

So what can be done to help the case of transportation in The Valley?

1. Parents: teach your kids how to ride the bus. Believe it or not, it will make them safer, especially if they find themselves stuck somewhere without a car and needing to go home.

2. Take the bus yourself. Try the Orange Line or a trip on the subway if you haven’t already. You don’t have to become a regular bus commuter, but if you take MTA once a month, that’s one less trip where you have to sit behind the wheel in traffic. Or, if the bus just isn’t possible, try to carpool (call 1-800-COMMUTE if you need help getting started).

3. When you’re driving, give buses, pedestrians, and bikes the right-of-way. It’s the law. It’s polite. And it’s one less car that you’re stuck behind.

4. If you feel inspired, write a quick note to your district representatives or MTA leadership. Is there a bike lane that can be improved in your area? A bus schedule that could be better?


(Flickr photo of a Los Angeles MTA Orange Line bus by So Cal Metro.)