Provide Solutions and Avoid Gas Tax Pains and Carbon Tax Attacks

It all sounds so nice and green and fair. A revenue neutral carbon tax for British Columbia, the Best Place on Earth. The greens loved it. The first government in North America to give carbon taxing a shot. If it worked here, it would spread like wildfire across North America.

Well, the organic manure hit the windmill. It is fair to say that it was not a popular move. In a move that still seems rather surreal, the left leaning New Democratic Party borrowed a page from the neo-cons and starting an “Axe the Tax” campaign. The bad timing of the summer’s high gas prices certainly didn’t help. People were mad and looking for fight.

Now, with falling oil prices, there is concern that people will quickly return to their SUV lovin’ ways. Both for environmental, security and economic reasons, there is talk about gas or carbon taxes to discourage overuse of the precious black gold.

In going forward with such politically tricky ideas, it is important to learn from the BC experience. It would be easy enough to draw the conclusion that people just are not willing to except such taxes. This would be a mistake. The problem is not with the concept of a carbon tax, it is how it was implemented that caused the pain.

First of all, while it may have seemed like a good idea at the time, making the tax revenue neutral proved to be a bad idea. The anti-tax crowd, likely the ones the government was trying to bring onboard with revenue neutrality just simply does not like taxes, especially new ones, especially ones that they perceive as social engineering. On top of that, many just don’t trust government. They fully expect the money to be used for something and thus were not convinced.

People want solutions. If they feel they have no options to avoid paying the tax, they will feel like they are being unfairly targeted for actions they have little control over. They will fell like they are being punished for driving and they feel they have no alternatives, they will get mad.

Instead of returning the money from the carbon tax, a better idea would be to use it to fund transit improvements and other public measures that can help people reduce their carbon emissions. Five billion in transit improvements will get peoples attention. Construction companies, consultants and unions will be onboard. Drivers will feel that they have an option or at least will think that other drivers with leaving them with more space on the road. People waiting in the cold while packed trains and buses pass them by will certainly be excited about increased transit funding.

Using funding from a tax to improve public transit creates a lot of big winners who will provide the public support needed for the tax to be successful. A revenue neutral tax will create a lot of small winners who, given the small amount they receive, will not really care much one way or the other.

People don’t mind pay more taxes if they know the money will be used for something they want. If the last election was any indication, people clearly want money to be spent on rail and rapid transit. Voters in Seattle, Los Angles and Honolulu approved tens of billions of dollars in tax increases for rapid transit. California approved ten billion dollars for high-speed rail.

No one really gets that excited about receiving a hundred dollars in the mail. It is no big deal these days. Pretty much everyone will pay some of that in carbon tax so really no one really benefits that much.

Congestion charging has been a success in London because transit improvements where on the ground when the charges came into effect. Pricing without improvements is rather cruel. Without alternatives, it is just another tax that is unlikely to change people’s behavior.

Pooling our resources to create a better transportation system is a far more compelling idea than giving everybody a hundred bucks and hoping against all hope they can use this small amount of money to somehow provide themselves with a greener transportation solution.

Ironically, the province did announce a transit plan before the carbon tax was implemented. Which is all fine and good. Only problem is that they didn’t have a plan to fund it. Without such a plan, it is hard for people to take the plan that seriously especially when they are staring a carbon tax in the face. Only now is the province looking at revenue sources to fund the transit improvements. Up on the list are bright ideas like a cell phone tax (I don’t get it either) and of course gas taxes, congestion charges and road pricing.

So when governments are considering carbon taxes, road pricing and other similar measures, here are a few suggestions:

• Create many big winners
  
• Provide people with solutions so they have an option to avoid paying
  
• Clearly tie the tax or charge to the solutions
  
• Announce the solutions and the tax or charge at the same time
  
• Have solutions on the ground when the tax or charge starts
  
• As the solutions improve, increase the tax or charge
  

Good Luck!

Billions for Bikes Beats Band-aid Bailouts

Shockingly enough, this is my first post dedicated to bicycles. I was rather fixated on high-speed rail for a while. Now that the people in my home state have voted to spend $10 billion on high-speed rail and there is talk of systems all over North America, it is time to focus on pedal power.

In a world shaken to the core by climate change, volatile fuel prices, rising obesity rates and a collapsing economy,  there has never been a better time for cycling. What is possible will only be limited by our vision and execution. 

Green stimulus is all the rage. People realize that this is an opportunity to transform our cities and our economy. We need to create a world where people can live great lives while using much less energy and resources. This, really is our only option.

Politicians are looking for shovel ready projects where construction can start as soon as possible. Bicycle paths and bridges are idea. Compared to other types of projects, they are simpler and have less impact on the environment and the community. Transit and rail projects are complicated and can take years to plan. Not to argue against transit and rail, we need both. It is just that cycling projects can be done now while the economy is still in the tank. This will provide people with both jobs and affordable transportation speeding the recovery. 

Be sure to push for high-quality cycling facilities that people want and will use. This tends to be paths and cycle tracks, like in Amsterdam and Copenhagen that are separated from cars. There is little evidence that even bike lanes are effective at encouraging more people to cycle. By pushing for want people actually want, you will find that politicians are likely to be more receptive in spite or even because of the additional cost. 

Don't be afraid to dream big. Politicians just aren't interested in small projects that no one will even notice. Don't forget, the goal is economic stimulus. That means big bucks. These people are used to dealing with large numbers. Don't waste their time or yours with small projects.

Unlike the automobile industry, the bicycle industry is doing just fine thank you. Sales are at record levels. Unfortunately, unlike the automobile industry, the bicycle industry has not done a very good job of fighting for funding for facilities. If auto industry had done such a poor job, we would still be riding horses and well, bicycles. Fortunately, the bike industry is starting to support advocacy groups, but much more needs to be done.

So start phoning, writing, and meeting with your elected representatives. Join and volunteer for cycling advocacy groups. Form your own. Bring your friends, family and co-workers on board. Be relentless. Don't take no for an answer. Remember, the squeaky gets the green stimulus.

More info:

Third Wave Cycling Group - My consulting firm

British Columbia Cycling Coalition - British Columbia's Cycling Advocates

Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition

Bikes Belong - Sponsored by the U.S. bicycle industry with the goal of putting more people on bicycles more often

Thunderhead Alliance - The national coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations

Sustrans - The UK's leading sustainable transport charity

Active Transportation for America - A Case for Increased Federal Investment in Bicycling and Walking

Certainty in an Uncertain World - The Case for Accelerated Investment in Cycling

The Future Has not Happened Yet

After several hours of pouring over the news of Obama’s historic victory with tears of joy in my eyes, it is time to reflect on what happened and the hard work ahead. The change has just begun.

I witnessed the election of the first African American President from a smoke-free bar in Vancouver. A mere forty years ago, I’m not sure which would have seemed more improbable.

When Vancouver first tried to ban smoking in bars and restaurants, the industry was up in arms, predicting economic disaster and the end of civilization as we know it. They showed up on mass at public meetings and lobbied intensely. Fortunately civic leaders stuck to their guns. Their fears failed to materialize. They were forced to improve their food because people can now taste it. If anything, smoke-free bars are now attracting people that used avoid smoky pits.

Early this year, when the city proposed banning smoking from even out door patios, nobody said a peep. I guess they realized, that with only 13% of the population smoking, it is no big deal.

As big a battle as it has been to reduce the scourge of tobacco, it pales in comparison to the oppression and huge challenges African Americans have overcome. A struggle that threatened to tear the nation apart. Many brave people have risked their lives to make yesterday possible. Many have died.

In both cases, it would have been easier for many to simply accept that the future would be the same as the past. But people of courage and vision knew the future will be different if they took a stand for what is right. They knew that change is not only possible, it is inevitable if we believe and fight for it. That change is all we have. That change is the hope of a better world, in the face of seems impossible. They knew from the bottom of their heart, without knowing how or when, that the future had not happened yet.

Our ability to anticipate events is perhaps one of our greatest strengths. It saves us from floods, earthquakes and famine. It is also our greatest obstacles to a better world. The future is a wild horse that can’t be tamed. At best, we do our best to hang on and hope for the best. While anticipation is a gift, our ability to chance is what gives us the wings to soar above what many were sure that was all that was possible.

We may never create a perfect world but it is only through the striving for that which we are sure is not possible that we approach our potential.

While taken time to celebrate our victories, we must chart our course forward to overcome the many challenges facing the world today.

Eclipsed, and rightly so, by Obama’s accomplishment, yesterday also witnessed the start of another chapter in the history of change. This time, it is change for the sake of the planet. \The people of California, in spite or perhaps because of the financial crisis, approved $10 billion dollars to start building high-speed rail from San Diego to Sacramento. The state that road to greatness of endless freeways, now is starting to turn its back on the automobile. This is a bold step that, in the next forty years will transform California and indeed the whole country.

For those that think the only path forward is greener fuels and vehicles, Californian’s rejected propositions for alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy bonds; and renewable energy generation.

For those too busy predicting the future to invent it.

For those too absorbed in small drama to notice people’s passion for chance, open your eyes.

For those ruled by the truisms “People love their cars” and “You’ll never get people out of their cars.”, I stood as a witness of the election of an African American president in a smoke free bar.

Yes We Did, Yes We Can and Yes We Will

The future has not happened yet.

And the Prize for Truth in Advertising Goes To...

British Airways

I'm quiet literally stunned. There I was getting my daily fix of US election coverage. Before I could flip channels during a break in analysis of the analysts, there it was, British Airways hauntingly beautiful advert showing fish, dolphins, seals and assorted other sea creatures happily swimming around their brand spanking new Terminal Five. They were even nice enough to make the ad match the colour scheme of this site. Thanks BA, I think.

Given that Heathrow and especially the proposed third runway has been the target of passionate global warming protests, it is hard to even fathom the possibly that they would spend millions of dollars producing and airing a commercial that shows Terminal Five underwater and occupied by our finned friends, yet there it was.

As I’ve mentioned before, I found Terminal Five, terminally dull with its acres of white and grey. Must admit, it does look much better as an aquarium. Have to give them credit for planning for the future. The future they are trying so very hard to create with their schemes of ever-increasing air travel. They do have their work cut out for them. It will take a lot of Air Miles for ocean levels to top Heathrow. Fortunately, as I pointed out in my last post, even the Conservatives have come out against the third runway. There is plenty of time to stop them from flooding themselves.

So, for the guts to show the results of their business, their prize of course, is a gold statue Governor Palin in a Valentino jacket. By the looks of it, they have the same PR firm. One specializing in being way off message. Way, way, way, off the deep end.

Congratulations BA, you’ve earned it!

The Only Way to Swim



No Third Runway Action Group
http://www.notrag.org/

Green Conservatives and Air France Rail

The seeming contradictions are piling up as fast as the stock market is falling. The world is changing rapidly around us yet we seem to be standing still, afraid to really do much of anything except watch the world pass us by.

Here in Canada, after suffering through the Election to Nowhere, we are stuck with a Conservative Party with really nothing left to conserve of the neo-conservatism that has grown rather old. Like it or not, there is no status quo any more.

The free market seems to have blown itself apart quite effectively. Seems like we have reached peak greed even before we hit peak oil. Making Hot Wheels is way more profitable than making full size automobiles. Yet here we stand clinging our McMansions, cars and big screen TV’s.

Over the pond, people, businesses and political parties are realizing and taking advantage of the new realities.

Air France, realizing the poor economics of air travel, will be operating high-speed rail by 2010.

The Conservatives in the UK, the party of Margaret Thatcher, actually seem to be committed to conservation and fighting climate change. Their logo is a big tree. They are aggressively opposing the third runway at Heathrow for environmental reasons. Instead, they are proposing a massive high-speed rail network throughout the country. Their plans are not being received that well by some members of the business community. This, of course, is to be expected, as entrenched interests always seem to fight change in spite of the potential upsides for the economy and the environment.

In an uncertain world, doing nothing is far riskier than change.

St. Pancras, the Champagne Bar and the Terminator

It is just sooo civilized.
The newly restored St. Pancras Station is just magnificent. A great mixture of new and old. It brought high-speed rail to the heart of London making Paris just over two hours away. The highlight, is though, Europe’s longest champagne bar, lining the platform. Sipping blubbly and munching on a twenty pound plate of tiny but tasty snacks. Truly, traveling does not get any better than this.

Contrast St. Pancras to the fatally bland Terminal Five at Heathrow. I suspect that it caused a world-wide shortage of white paint. I would have hated to see what the old terminal was like. Just try lining the runway with any type of bar.

Train stations can be truly beautiful buildings at the heart of a city. Airports tend to be monstrosities sucking the soul out of cities and anyone unfortunate enough to be stuck in one for any amount of time at all.
So, St. Pancreas pretty much is the peak of civilization while the Terminator was trying to end it. Fortunately, Arnie as governator seems to be moving in the other direction. Not that I agree with him on everything, he has cut transit funding but, hell, I don’t agree with myself all the time. He was against the bullet train before he was for it. His priority a year ago seemed to be spending money on roads and not rail. I suspect high fuel prices changed all that.

He is now a supporter of the $10 billion high-speed rail initiative before California voters this November. He even broke his word not to sign any bills until the legislator approved a budget to approve the bill required to move the initiative forward. It is often great that politicians don’t follow through on everything they say.

The facebook group has over 30,000 members. I suspect it stands a good chance of passing due to high fuel prices and enthusiastic Obama supporters who are likely to support rail and transit. Still, it is a good idea to encourage your friends in the Golden State to vote for it. It would be great to experience 
This vote is critical as it will mark the start of the movement in the States away from cars and planes which are destroying the economy, the environment and cities while providing people with an increasing miserable transportation experience.



San Francisco’s high speed rail station, Transbay Transit Center will be the first grand rail station built in North America in a century. Hopefully they figure out a snappier name though.

I am convinced that the best way forward is to provide people with great transportation experiences that are also environmentally friendly. Who knows, maybe the platform in Frisco will be lined with a champagne bar or even better, a brewpub serving a great porter.
Cheers!!

Climate Change is my Fault

Ouch, it kinda hurts to say that.

I’m here. So is climate change. It is time for me to admit that ok, already, "Hi, my name is Richard and I am a global warmer". It’s the first step to recovery, don’t you know.

Not that it really matters whose fault it is, that is all water over the bridge. But going forward, what is important, is taking personal responsibility and commitment to finding solutions.

Looking back 20 years when I first became concerned, I first sat around watching depressing documentaries for a couple of year before deciding to get off my ass. I ditched the Accord. I took up cycling, walking and transit. Started some organizations, led protest rides, got a few metres for cyclists here and there.

I didn’t envision that 20 years later we would be in a worse mess than the day I started. Obviously, I failed miserable. Emissions are up 30% since the late eighties. Not that that matters going forward either. Playing blame game solitaire isn’t much fun but it sure beats passing the buck.

The wait until you do something before I will do anything game being played between the US, Canada, India and China is getting tiresome to stay the least. Although it is what made me pissed off enough to write this so I guess it is serving a useful purpose. Small consolation though.

Pointing ones finger at oil companies, republicans, the United States or China. Problem is, that really doesn’t solve anything except perhaps a lack of smugness. All I really can do is everything I can do. If others decide to do anything, that is great. That is their choice.

I admire people like Al Gore and David Suzuki for their commitment and tremendous. They have inspired millions to take action. They may well be successful in their efforts, but I not going to sit back and hope that they or anyone else will be successful. It is simply too large a risk to take.

So what does that look like? Well, you are looking at a start. Is a web site enough? Is bike sharing enough? I suspect not. Hey, but who knows. Not trying is the only way to ensure failure.

What I promise is that my efforts going forward my efforts and commitment will match the scale of the challenge.

Only A Year and a Half in the Making

Welcome everyone. Finally, I've got this site up. Seems like it took me forever . I've been sitting on the domain for over a year. This site had the gestation period almost as long as an elephant. So much for sense of urgency.

Internal debates on using blogger or wordpress or something else. Wanting to get every pixel right. I guess I have a perfectionist streak. Blah, blah, blah. Lame excuses. I'll be more focused from now on. That said, I suspect my new found energy for this site is in reality a lamer distraction from the Bike Sharing business plan I should be writing or perhaps, more precisely ,unwriting, as it is approaching a portly 80 pages.

Unfortunately, a lack of urgency seems to be a popular disease. Procrastination loves company, I guess. If we used a fraction of the creativity we use to think of excuses why things can't be done to instead create solutions, we would be well on our way to solving the big problems we have.

Climate change, for instance. The "We don't do anything until China and India agree to reduce emissions." talking point is especially annoying. It is just an excuse to delay or avoid action. Leadership is required now. Sure, everyone must reduce emissions but expecting people that are using a fraction of the fossil fuels we are using to agree to limit their emissions before we show any commitment to reduce ours is ridiculous.

Instead of "Drill Now", how about "Stop Driving Now" for a campaign slogan. Now that would show real guts for a politician.

Reduce gas prices, energy independence, few greenhouse gas emissions, less congestion, fewer deaths. Sounds like a winning solution now.