6 Organizations Advocating For Sustainable Transportation
In many places, having a car is the only way to get around efficiently due to zoning laws, sprawl, or a lack of reliable public transit. Luckily, organizations like the ones on this list are working to support sustainable modes of transportation that provide people with more options for how to get around and help reduce our use of harmful fossil fuels. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Groups That Support Green Transportation
| Organization | Headquarters Location | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| CALSTART | Pasadena, CA | Work nationally and internationally with businesses and governments to develop clean, efficient transportation solutions |
| Community Cycling Center | Portland, OR | Broaden access to bicycling and its benefits |
| Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association | Washington D.C. | Represent companies and organizations that are advancing innovative, clean, safe, and reliable energy technologies, provide an industry voice to regulators and policymakers, and promote the environmental and economic benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies |
| Southwest Energy Efficiency Project | Boulder, CO | Promote greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming |
| Transportation Alternatives | New York, NY | Reclaim New York City's streets from the automobile and advocate for better bicycling, walking, and public transit for all New Yorkers |
| Wisconsin Clean Cities | Milwaukee, WI | Reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuels, promote the use of alternative fuels and technologies, and improve overall air quality |
Benefits Of Sustainable Transportation
- Reduces energy consumption & greenhouse gas emissions
- Improves air quality
- Saves money in the long term
- Makes transportation more affordable
- Relieves highway congestion
- Enhances economic development
- Increases the overall efficiency of transit
Number of Transit Vehicles In The U.S.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
| Vehicle Type | 2000 | 2010 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy rail car | 10,311 | 11,510 | 10,705 |
| Commuter rail car and locomotive | 5,497 | 6,768 | 7,129 |
| Light rail car | 1,306 | 2,096 | 2,557 |
| Total rail transit vehicles | 17,114 | 20,374 | 20,391 |
| Motor bus | 59,230 | 63,679 | 64,298 |
| Demand response | 22,087 | 33,555 | 33,012 |
| Ferry boat | 98 | 134 | 147 |
| Other | 7,607 | 17,932 | 17,957 |
| Total non-rail transit vehicles | 89,022 | 115,300 | 115,414 |
| Total transit vehicles | 106,136 | 135,674 | 135,805 |
Sustainable Transportation In Cities
In Depth
One of the biggest problems posed by climate change is our current system of fossil fuel-dependant methods of transportation. Thankfully, there are a number of groups hard at work promoting alternative options to traditional combustible engine powered vehicles. Here, in no particular order, are six organizations advocating for sustainable transportation.
First up, at #1 on our list is CALSTART, a nonprofit organization working with businesses and governments to develop clean, efficient transportation solutions. The group advances the clean transit market in key industry sectors by providing services in technology development and demonstration, assessment and validation, and market acceleration, as well as advancing policies that support industry growth.
The industry sectors focused on by this nonprofit are cars, trucks, buses, and fuel. This organization provides reliable, high-quality analysis on relevant market developments and policies on its website. With regional offices in four states, this nonprofit exerts a national influence to break down barriers to environmentally friendly transportation. To support CALSTART, you can join as a member on its website.
To support CALSTART, you can join as a member on its website.
In the #2 spot, we have the Community Cycling Center, a non-profit organization, located in Portland, Oregon. This group is on a mission to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits. Its unique, community-based programs help people gain access to bicycle knowledge, education, leadership training, and more. Bike Camp brings school-aged children together for a summer of cycling adventures, allowing campers the opportunity to learn how to ride safely, and maintain bikes in a supportive, hands-on environment.
This group's annual Holiday Bike Drive provides children in underserved communities with a safe refurbished bicycle, new helmets, and basic safety education. The group operates a full-service repair shop, offering a low-income commuter discount in order to make this sustainable form of transportation affordable for all. The shop also hosts bike maintenance classes, and provides tools that cyclists can borrow free of charge to work on their own two-wheelers. Those who would like to support this non-profit can become a volunteer, donate a used bicycle, or make a financial donation.
At #3 on our list, we have the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, a trade association representing the leading companies and organizations that are advancing innovative, clean, safe, and reliable energy technologies. Fuel cells utilize hydrogen to produce electricity through a chemical process, without combustion, and can be used to power cars, trucks, buses and more. Vehicles powered with this technology perform similarly to conventional vehicles, but are up to three times more energy-efficient.
Fuel cells utilize hydrogen to produce electricity through a chemical process, without combustion, and can be used to power cars, trucks, buses and more.
Among other activities, F.C.H.E.A. advocates on a range of issues and policies that support these technologies. This organization also uses educational outreach to promote the environmental and economic benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies. Members of this group drive support and provide a consistent industry voice to regulators and policymakers. If your organization would like to join F.C.H.E.A., you can apply online.
#4 on our list is the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, a public-interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Due in large part to the efforts of SWEEP, the region has made great strides in advancing energy efficiency over the past 18 years. In addition to its policy work, this organization hosts energy efficiency workshops and other events throughout the year.
This group advances state and regional policies that will increase the fuel efficiency of new vehicles and promote the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. It also reduces motor vehicle use with programs that promote public transit options, and expand bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Its other programs work to improve utilities, building energy codes, and industrial energy efficiency in the Southwest. To support SWEEP, you can donate online or join a mailing list to stay informed on their projects.
Its other programs work to improve utilities, building energy codes, and industrial energy efficiency in the Southwest.
At #5 on our list is Transportation Alternatives, an activist group in New York City that has been leading the movement for biking and walking since the 1970s. TransAlt fights for infrastructure improvements that reduce speeding and traffic crashes, save lives, and improve everyday transportation for all New Yorkers. This group's accomplishments include the construction of over 1,000 miles of bike lanes, implementing a public bike share system, and installing automated speed and red light enforcement cameras systems.
Right now, members of this organization are working to improve infrastructure for bicycling and walking on many local streets, and to change traffic enforcement policies and practices citywide. The goal is to achieve Vision Zero - the elimination of traffic deaths and serious injuries on New York City's streets. If you would like to support TransAlt, you can find information to become a member, attend a local meeting, or register for a fundraising bike tour, and more on the group's website.
And finally, in the #6 spot is Wisconsin Clean Cities, a nonprofit organization designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. This organization promotes the advancement of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and sustainable vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure. These efforts reduce the nation's dependence on imported oil, improve air quality, support local jobs, drive economic development and promote improved quality of life.
This organization promotes the advancement of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and sustainable vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
Established in 1994, Wisconsin Clean Cities lives its mission through education and outreach, training, project management, grant and funding acquisition and the development of stakeholder partnerships. Its website provides information on a number of different alternative fuel sources, and serves as a resource to find alternative fueling stations throughout the state. If your organization would like to join as a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities, you can apply online.
