Rendering Of A New, More Efficient American Airlines Airbus

The airline industry is one of the nation’s biggest consumers of fuel – no surprise there – but new aircraft technology has dramatically improved planes’ fuel efficiency.  Besides drastically cutting carbon emissions, more efficient jetliners have proven critical for airlines’ financial bottom lines, and companies clinging to outdated technology are paying the price, as evidenced by this week’s American Airlines bankruptcy.

Despite the cost of upgrades, a more modern and fuel-efficient fleet can make the difference between an airline staying competitive and losing money.  It’s no coincidence that American Airlines, which declared bankruptcy this week in an effort to restructure and cut costs, ranks as one of the worst US carriers in terms of average fuel efficiency according to a recent Wall Street Journal article.  Perhaps even more important, American has also trailed far behind most other airlines in improving its average fuel efficiency over the last decade.

Older American Airlines Planes Like This MD-80 Are Inefficient, Costly

According to an article in yesterday’s New York Times,

More than a third of [American's] 600 planes are McDonnell Douglas MD-80s, an aging design that burns more fuel than newer models.  “If oil was still at $50 a barrel, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said Mike Boyd, an airline consultant. “Their bet was to hold on to their older MD-80s”.  American’s fleet has an average vintage of 15 years, making it one of the oldest and least fuel-efficient among the six major United States carriers.

One Of AA's Next-Generation Boeing 737s

Fortunately, American was already planning a substantial overhaul to its stable of aircraft.  Back in July, Wired reported that American had announced huge deals to purchase a minimum of 460 next-generation, fuel-efficient Boeing and Airbus aircraft.  It’s worth noting that air travel is nowhere near as “green” as, say, riding your bike, but when it comes to the average “mile per gallon per seat” measurement for a person traveling by either plane or by car, planes are often a more efficient option.  For example, the most modern Boeing 737 can transport a passenger as efficiently as a 99-mpg car.

Air travel isn’t likely to lose its popularity anytime soon, but the industry still has a responsibility to be as fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.  And airlines are finally starting to realize that greener technology is good for business as well as the planet.

Related: Delta Airliners Integrating Wheeltug Hybrid Motor Technology

Photocredit: DFB (http://downtownfrombehind.tumblr.com)

For bicycle commuters, continuing to pedal through the winter months can be a daunting task, especially if one lives in a northern city. Often the decision for winter bicycle commuting comes down to perspective: Is cycling a sport or a viable form of transportation that offers a multitude of advantages such as saving money and improving the health of the cyclist and the environment? In order for bicycling to be respected as sustainable transportation, the surrounding community must be supportive of cyclists year-round. This includes city maintenance of bike lanes and paths during winter as well as supportive bicycle initiatives. It can be done. In Copenhagen, where dedicated snow plows clear the bike lanes, 80% of cyclists continue through the winter. Here are five cities in the U.S. that are supporting bicycle commuting through the winter.

Boulder, Colorado

What makes Boulder one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country is partly due to the city’s commitment to winter bike commuters. While Boulder is no stranger to bike commuting it’s also no stranger to snowy weather, which makes most Coloradans dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle despite weather challenges. Last January, Boulder held its’ third annual Winter Bike to Work Day. The over-60 miles of paved multi-use paths get plowed before more than an inch of snow accumulates using separate snow removal crews, while the on-road bike lanes are plowed right along with the streets. Many Boulder cyclists say their bicycles are faster than getting across town in a car held up by winter weather and traffic. Though Boulder does not have commuter rail, bike racks are available on the city bus at a first come first serve basis.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Heralded by Bicycling Magazine as America’s most bike-friendly city, Minneapolis has seen success for its’ initiative in reducing car dependence. While the number of bicycle commuters do decline in the frigid winter months, the city estimates that 36 percent of bike commuters still pedal on clear winter days and a bold 20 percent brave the harsher conditions that tend to plague the area. Perhaps it’s the inspiration cyclists get from seeing others riding in the winter that will keep these numbers rising.

With over 60 miles of off-road trails, the city is speedy at removing snow from these areas, typically withing 24 hours. According to Minneapolis cyclists, the 46 miles of on-road bike lanes become a bit more challenging to keep clear of the piling snow as well as parked cars during the winter months. Cyclists can take advantage of Minneapolis’ Metro Transit System incorporating light rail, commuter rail, and bus service all equipped with bike racks. For commuters who travel by bike 3 or more days a week, the transit system offers a free Guaranteed Ride Home Program good for use up to 4 times a year for emergencies such as snowstorms.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison’s successful bicycle infrastructure has made getting around town by bike such a feasible venture that many Madison bike commuters continue on through the winter months. Currently, the town boasts 87 miles of bike lanes and 43 miles of off-road bike paths which are quickly cleared of snow by the parks department. Many Madison cyclists claim the bike paths are often cleared before the streets. Bike Madison, the city’s website devoted exclusively for bicycling, is a great resource and support for year-round bike commuters.  All Madison Metro buses are equipped with bike racks available on a first come first serve basis. Bike Winter is a volunteer organization that hosts winter cycling events in Madison in an effort to inspire and educate.

New York, New York

The New York City Parks Department does such a expeditious job of clearing the growing number of bike paths and greenways that last winter it added to the already contentious bike lane controversy when many of the bike paths were cleared of snow and ice before the roads. For New York to compete with world-class bicycling cities like Copenhagen, this support of winter cycling will need to continue as the more cyclists are out there in the winter, the more citizens will be aware of cyclists on the road. The New York City Department of Transportation has done an excellent job of adding bicycle parking, including the famous David Byrne bike racks, and is in the process of building 36 sheltered bike racks that hold 8 bikes each. Their website includes a helpful map showing where these bike racks are located. With NYC gearing up to unleash its’ New York City Bike Share in 2012, winter cycling in New York could see a surge as the program is slated to run 365 days a year.

Burlington, Vermont

Recently awarded the silver status as a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Burlington, Vermont can be buried in snow from October to April as the winds whip off Lake Champlain. This doesn’t stop the tenacious souls who choose a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation through the harsh winters of Burlington. Many University of Vermont students find it easier and much less expensive to get around town sporting fat tires and extra layers as they pedal through the elements. With Burlington devoted to building a strong bicycle network as well as encouraging residents to lead a sustainable lifestyle, winter cycling isn’t such a crazy notion.

EV1 Electric Car On Display At The Smithsonian (image: Jeff Tinsley, Smithsonian Institution)

Bet you didn’t know that an electric car was the nation’s best-selling vehicle back in ’04.  1904, that is.  If you think the late 1990′s were the dawn of this technology, think again – electric vehicles have been around for over a century.  A new display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, part of their “America On The Move” exhibit, showcases the evolution of electric transportation.

Riker Electric Automobile, c.1900 (image: Smithsonian Institution)

In the early 1900′s a car buyer could choose among automobiles powered by steam, gasoline, and electricity.  Many wealthier customers (especially those living in urban areas) opted for electric cars because they were relatively simple to operate.  But interestingly, by the 1920′s, gasoline had become the most popular choice for an all-too-familiar reason:  electric cars had limited range, and gas stations were much more common than electrical power stations.

EV1 Electric Car On Display At The Smithsonian (image: Jeff Tinsley, Smithsonian Institution)

Fast forward a century to today’s automobile showrooms, and the electric vehicle has made a serious comeback.  Shifting market forces like pollution control measures, in combination with advances in hybrid motors and battery technology, have combined to make electric cars a practical option once again.  And today’s gasoline-free cars aren’t high-priced prototype novelties like the options from just a few years ago – they’re exceptionally efficient vehicles available to the general public.

Columbia Mark LX Electric Car, c.1906 (image: Smithsonian Institution)

Stop by the Smithsonian Museum of American History to check out the exhibit if you’re in Washington, or visit the Smithsonian website for more info.

Automobiles are a major source of pollution (no surprise there).  Cars also play a big role in our reliance on petroleum, which has its own environmental and socio-political baggage.  So reducing your time behind the wheel may be the socially responsible thing to do, but it literally has a more direct payoff too – namely, saving you a stunning amount of money.  Because driving probably costs way more than you realize.

What if someone offered you a duffel bag containing $125,000 in cash, and all you had to do was avoid a lengthly commute in your car every day?  Surprise – that’s exactly what it can cost a family with two commuters over a 10 year span.  Online personal finance guru “Mr. Money Mustache” recently took a look at the real cost of relying on cars for daily commuting, and he backs up his estimate with some pretty compelling figures.

According to his breakdown, an average suburban couple might be looking at numbers like these:

“38 miles of round-trip driving at the IRS’s estimate of total driving cost of $0.51 per mile [means] $19 per day of direct driving and car ownership costs.”

If each person spends more than an hour in the car each day, that equals over a year of time they could have worked extra hours instead and other opportunity costs as well:

“After 10 years, multiplied across two cars since they have different work schedules, this decision would cost them about $125,000 in wealth (if they had for example chosen to put the $19/day into extra payments on their mortgage), and 1.3 working years worth of time.”

Biking To Work Makes Financial And Environmental Sense

While many car owners may be able to drive more cheaply than this hypothetical couple, Mr. ‘Stache estimates that the bare minimum cost for a long commute would still be at least a third of that amount – totaling tens of thousands of dollars over the decade.  It’s also worth remembering that while some costs vary depending on usage, other expenses like car payments and depreciation are a constant reality, whether your ride is cruising the highway or collecting dust in a garage.

The bottom line:  living close to your workplace and taking public transportation will help keep the air clean, but it will also help save you a ton of time and money.

(via ModernEnviro & Mr. Money Mustache)

Catalina Island is the only place in California where the number and size of road-going motor vehicles is regulated by law. For residents of the island who want to bring a personal car, this means signing up at the bottom of a 14-year waiting list. Tourists are not permitted to ferry a vehicle from the mainland, even for temporary use. These policies keep the total car count below 1,000.

Because the principal settlement and center of activity, Avalon, is only about one square mile in size, walking works in most situations. Visitors in need of luggage help find hotel shuttle and taxi services readily available. There are two trolley routes within Avalon, and vans and shuttle buses are available for charter trips outside the city. Golf carts are a popular way of making short trips as well as exploring the mountainous area of the island’s interior. Bicycles are another reliable option.

Catalina Island lies 22 miles off the coast of California near Los Angeles. This 76-square mile escape has two major settlements: the main city of Avalon (about 4,000 permanent residents) and the town of Two Harbors (about 300 permanent residents). Around one million tourists arrive via boat or helicopter each year. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and bus and boat tours.

Most of the island is controlled by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a non-profit organization that attempts to preserve Catalina’s natural beauty and ecosystem. Despite this, the beach at Avalon is listed on the Natural Resources Defense Council’s list of the 10 most chronically polluted American beaches. The city’s century-old sewage system is to blame; its clay and metal pipes have deteriorated to the point that they no longer contain much of the human waste produced. The sewage that escapes the plumbing system enters the groundwater and finds its way to the coast. The waters appear pristine, but water quality tests tell another story.

Over the summer, the city of Avalon is launched at $5.1-million project to address the problem—the latest effort in a series of measures taken over the last decade.

An article on Catalina Island

Official Site: Catalina Island

Biking on M-185 -- the only US state highway with no motorized vehicles

Mackinac Island lies between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan within the Straights of Mackinac, a strip of water separating the peninsulas as well as connecting the Great Lakes of Huron and Michigan. This 3.8-square mile island is part of the state of Michigan and has evolved from a strategic commercial and military center into a modern resort with National Historic Landmark status.

One fascinating feature of Mackinac Island is its car-free policy. The ban on motor vehicles began in the late 19^th century, and exceptions are made only for emergency vehicles, service vehicles, and snowmobiles. Residents and tourists get around via horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, and foot travel. Outside of downtown, roller skates and inline skates are also permitted. Encircling the island is an eight-mile car-free highway, and crisscrossing roads are also in place.

Getting to Mackinac means taking a ferry, private boat, or small plane. In winter, snowmobiles can traverse the frozen water between the mainland and the island.

Covering 80% of the island is Mackinac Island State Park. The park provides a cost-free and quiet respite where visitors can enjoy a variety of plants and wildlife. The conservation efforts of the park are a major reason why cars have remained prohibited. In downtown, the absence of motor vehicles boosts the charm and authenticity of the historic architecture.

When summer comes, the island’s 600 permanent residents are joined by a daily swell of over 10,000 tourists. Popular attractions include art galleries, War of 1812 battle reenactment, Lilac Festival (June), lighthouse, hiking, sailing, horseback tours, shopping, and sampling the famous local fudge. Another prominent attraction is the Grand Hotel, a 385-room lodge with the world’s largest porch (660 feet) and a 500,000-gallon swimming pool.

Find out more on the official website of Mackinac Island.

A 600-station bike sharing system is slated to debut during the summer of 2012 in New York City. The network of 10,000 bicycles is being set up in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and future expansion into Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx is possible. New York City Bike Share is privately sponsored and operated. The NYC Department of Transportation regulates site selection and participates in community outreach, but the funding and operation is managed by Alta Bicycle Share.

The Bixi Bikes To Be Used In NYC Bike Sharing

Here’s how it will work: All of the 600 stations will have a kiosk with touch-screen interface, a map of the entire system, and a row of locked bicycles. Stations will be solar-powered and open 24 hours a day. You’ll have to be a member to unlock a bike. Registered members sign up online and are issued a key fob to unlock a bike. Casual members sign up using the station touch screen and are given a code to unlock a bike. Riders can return their rentals to any NYC station with an available space.

Membership and usage fees have not yet been determined. Expect a tiered membership fee structure as well as a tiered hourly usage fee structure.

New York City has created a webpage where visitors can suggest station sites for the bike share system. The page is already loaded with hundreds of suggested sites. Throughout 2011 and 2012, Alta Bicycle Share will be hosting press conferences and demonstrations in an effort solicit feedback as the project proceeds. Check out their News page for updates.

Here’s a video introducing the program:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Images via: Downtown From Behind

Car-free bicycle routes in the Northeast can be found on rail trails and local town greenways. With 392 open trails encompassing 3,233 miles, the Northeast region can rival the rail trails of the Midwest, where the rail trail movement began. With heavily traveled and traffic-congested roads, cyclists and other transportation advocates embrace the development of bicycle routes in this area.

The Rails to Trails Conservancy is just one organization dedicated to building a network of bike trails across the northeast and the rest of the country. The states encompassing this region of course offer some of the most stunning scenery that can’t be seen from a car, especially during the autumn months. Following are just a few of the more notable car-free bicycle routes to explore in the Northeast.

 Down East Sunrise Trail

Down East Sunrise Trail

The Down East Sunrise Trail travels through scenic coastal Maine for 87 miles from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction near the Canadian border. Utilizing the Calais Branch rail corridor, the Down East Sunrise Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, a bicycle route stretching from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. While the trail offers breathtaking views of mountains and crosses through conservation areas, salmon rivers, and coastal waterways, the route is basically flat and bicycle friendly. Though ATVs are allowed, cyclists say that this helps keep the trail smooth and users boast that everyone is respectful of each other along the route. The trail virtually parallels US Route 1, a state designated scenic route, offering plenty of opportunity for excursions to restaurants, inns, and other recreational outings. For more visit the Sunrise Trail Coalition.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Though the Cape Cod Rail Trail may be short on mileage (22 miles in length) it is big on reputation. Locals and tourists alike have made this a popular bicycle route with over 400,000 users a year. Those who live in the area use it as part of their commute, while tourists appreciate the Cape Cod scenery along the route. If you’ve ever had to fight Cape Cod traffic on a summer weekend, this can be a nice change of pace. The paved route follows the Old Colony Railroad line from South Dennis to South Wellfleet with visitor centers, bike rental and repair shops, restaurants, and picnic areas along the way. The route does make road crossings where cyclists need to take caution. At the end of the trail, cyclists can continue for another mile on road to Maguire’s Landing and be rewarded with a dip in the Atlantic. For more see here.

 Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail

NH Rail Trails

One of the most accessible rail trails in the Northeast is the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail. Starting near the shore of Massabesic Lake just outside New Hampshire’s largest city of Manchester, the route rides along a branch of the old Boston & Maine Railroad. In Raymond, visitors can explore the restored train station complete with locomotive, caboose and boxcar. The trail ends at Newfields Train Depot just east of Great Bay in Portsmouth, NH. Much of this route is tree lined, which makes it one of the coolest trails in the summer and still offers breathtaking New England scenery, especially during fall foliage season. Made of crushed stone, some of the sections could be considered more challenging than others, though it is a popular mountain biking destination for families. The trail is popular in the winter for snowmobiles, cross country skiing, and dog sledding. For more visit the NH State Parks website.

Erie Canalway Trail

Erie Canalway Trail

The Erie Canalway Trail located in upstate New York is on task to become one of the longest car-free bicycle routes in the U.S.  Riding along the towpaths of New York’s historic canals, the route connects Buffalo to Albany linking the cities of  Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, Utica, and Schenectady. With 75% of the trail complete, cyclists can enjoy the longest continuous car-free section from Buffalo to Newark for 114 miles. Another popular fragment is from Albany to Little Falls for 86 miles of car-free cycling. The Erie Canalway Trail is contributing to the revitalization of the canal towns along the route. Cyclists can make side trips to historic sites, restaurants, inns, and parks. Some of the route is paved, while the rest is crushed limestone and mostly flat. For more visit ErieCanalway.org.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail travels along the canal’s towpath which was built in 1830 as a transportation route between Philadelphia and New York. The 70 mile trail journeys through the historic New Jersey towns of Frenchtown, Stockton, and Lambertville and ending in New Brunswick. Nineteenth century bridges, bridgetender houses, canal locks, and stone arch culverts can be seen along the route. Great for families, the trail is crushed stone, mostly flat and is well maintained. Side trips, including canoe and kayak rental, are popular. Be sure to check the D & R Canal State Park website for current updates as recent hurricanes have caused some damage.

Great Allegheny Passage Trail

Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)

The longest rail trail east of the Mississippi is the Great Allegheny Passage or GAP Trail, which is the crown jewel of Pennsylvania’s numerous rail trails and other car-free bike routes. Using abandoned rail beds from the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie and the Western Maryland Railroad, the trail stretches for 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. History buffs will love seeing evidence of how the railroads, together with the famous Pennsylvania mill towns, shaped this area of the country. Users of the trail rave about the crushed stone surface and the many amenities along the way. To plan your trip visit the Allegheny Trail Alliance and Trail Link.

A recently-published study by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) ranks the top 20 cities where going car-free will save the most money. Number 14 on the list is Washington, DC, which has nearly 200,000 car-less households already.

The APTA’s report claims that the average DC resident would save $10,282 per year in transportation-related costs by giving up his or her vehicle and traveling solely via public transport. The APTA considered up-to-date gas prices, parking rates, and bus and train fares in its calculations. The annual figure equates to around $857 per month in savings.

The $857 in monthly savings takes into account car payments, insurance, repairs, fuel, and parking fees. If you think that number is on the high side, consider the $1,218 monthly cost of owning a private vehicle in the first city on the list: New York. Rounding out the top five are Boston ($1,127), San Francisco ($1,095), Seattle ($999), and Chicago ($978).

The study provides us with some idea of the high and often hidden costs of owning and operating a personal vehicle. Car pools, trains, buses, taxis, bicycles, and walking are just some of the many alternatives with the potential to save significant money. But the convenience and necessity of a car are inarguable facts for many individuals, and it is difficult to put a price tag on these things.

The American Public Transportation Association is a non-profit organization that actively promotes the use of public transport in the United States.

Electric bicycle sales are on the rise worldwide, and nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than in the Netherlands, where revenue from e-bike sales recently surpassed revenue from city bike sales.

The Netherlands was the first nation to enact an official national bicycle policy, and the country has thousands of miles of bicycle paths and lanes. Bicycle parking is plentiful and new developments are designed with cyclists in mind. It’s no surprise that the Dutch have a robust cycling culture and that industry innovations are embraced quickly.

A case in point is the electric bicycle market, which has exploded in popularity in the Netherlands. While city bike sales volume maintains a margin over e-bike sales volume every year, in 2009 the Dutch spent more money on e-bikes than on any other category of bicycle. Because the prices of e-bikes are significantly higher than the prices of the average city bikes, this doesn’t mean more e-bikes were sold; it means that Dutch riders interested in spending more money on bikes are gravitating toward e-bikes and away from city bikes.

Today, city bikes account for a little less than 50% of all new bikes sold in the Netherlands, while e-bikes account for around 15%. The gap is rapidly shrinking. Total Dutch bike sales in 2011 are forecast to top 2010 sales, reversing the downward trend that started in 2008. Fueled by sales of quality e-bikes, significant growth is expected in bicycles costing $1,200 or more.

See our article on the Best Electric Bikes Of 2011.