Sustainable Greenville

I noticed yesterday that my ride was leaking oil, and badly at that. It needs fixing quickly because the idea that oil is landing on the ground, and thus adding to our already polluted waterways, makes me realize we still have a long ways to go in greening our transportation.

Living on the outskirts of the city makes it difficult to catch the bus. The nearest bus stop is about a mile away and yet I complain that I would have to walk that far. Well how about a bike? Don't own one and it may rain (which it has been doing alot of lately) or be too cold. How have I become so comfortable, that these options don't seem realistic to me? If I AM so sustainable, why don't I do these things? I think many of us like to complain that we need better green transportation in the Upstate, yet don't ever do anything about it. There's always an excuse hidden in the dark recesses of my mind. It's time to come out into the light.

In fact, the Upstate is doing a lot better. There are options. And, yes, we still have a long way to go on improving our transportation infrastructure.

Our urban bus system has made great strides in creating a more sustainable transportation infrastructure. Back in April of 2008, Greenlink implemented a new fuel system by switching over to biofuels. This change has helped to reduce our air pollution in Greenville and surrounding areas. The research has shown that particulate matter is reduced 31 percent, carbon monoxide by 21 percent and total hydrocarbons by 47 percent. One of the newest editions to the bus system is the advent of bike racks on some of the busses.

Our bikeways are growing. If you do own a bike, it is now easier to get around Greenville. With the new Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail, individuals can commute up and down the Reedy River Corridor between Travelers Rest and Downtown Greenville. We no longer have to worry about the possibilty of running afoul of close encounters with motor vehicles (well most of the time - you still have to cross roadways in places). Eventually the corridor will stretch from Travelers Rest to Conestee Park. If you live near the Reedy River, it certainly is a greener way to get around. And there are visions of creating bikeways well beyond the confines of the Reedy River. Both the city and county have Greenway Directors who are working hard on creating a stronger bikeway system.To learn more visit http://www.greenvillehd.com/going-green/greenways-master-plan/

Probably our greenest way to get around is walking. Pedestrianism has been our primary form of transportation since the dawn of time. What is encouraging is the urban centers of Greenville and surrounding towns have all under went a revitalization and have brought people back out, strolling down landscaped walkways. Whether people are using their two feet for exercise, enjoyment or commuting, the resurgence of walking is upon us. Go downtown almost any night and there are people everywhere. When I moved here in 1995, downtown Greenville was a ghost town most nights. Now, even small towns like Greer and Simpsonville have people out and about enjoying the sights and sounds and smells of life.

Yes, we still have a long ways to go. There are some of us that would like to see a resurgence in rail use and a better cab system. Or how about more trolley use in the summer? And I didn't even go into all the green cars and trucks out there. A lot of options there. Just about every large auto maker now has hybrids available. We could probably come up with even more green transportation options if we all would sit down and let the creative juices flow.