Chapter 18 Recommendations

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AGENCIES

NYC Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection

Enforce the New York City idling law as widely as possible, using foot or cycling officers.

NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection and NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Make vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance programs more stringent.

Broaden emphasis of State Air Quality Implementa-tion Plan from primarily tailpipe emissions to reducing auto use.

NYS Dept. of Transportation

Cease plans to widen highways, and transfer funds to transit and infrastructure for nonmotorized transit.

Federal Environmental Protection Agency

Issue guidelines barring city, state and regional agencies responsible for air pollution compliance from ignoring the traffic- and pollution-generating consequences of roadway expansion.

Make clear that the federal government will exercise fully its power to punish states that fail to comply with air quality criteria and guidelines for reducing VMT (vehicle miles traveled).

LEGISLATIVE

State Legislature

Adopt the California standards mandating reductions in motor vehicle pollution emissions on an accelerated schedule (relative to federal standards).

PRIVATE SECTOR

Emulate commuter programs in Los Angeles and other areas subject to federal requirements to reduce car commuting and air pollution, by:

• Providing secure bicycle parking (e.g., guarded outdoor racks, indoor building access, lockers) and showers;
• Providing compensatory time for cycle commuters;
• Offering economic incentives for bicycle commuting, e.g., free bicycles for workers who become regular cycle commuters;
• Providing financial compensation for using a bicycle at work rather than on-the-job use of motor vehicles.