Many cities suffer from serious air and noise pollution- as well as endless traffic jams- because of too many cars. Some people feel that cities with extensive public transportation systems should ban passenger cars and force people to walk, ride bike, or use public transportation. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
Los Angeles County is possibly one of the most overpopulated areas in the United States. As of 2008, the population in Los Angeles has reached about 10 million, which has more than likely dramatically increased, within the last two years (Google). Because this area has more than reached its limits, in regards to its inhabitants, there are many issues that have come with such an excessive amount of people. Los Angeles County is notoriously known for its issues with air pollution, predominately caused by the amount of people who rely on fossil fuel vehicles, which is nearly everyone. The area is always loud and rambunctious, and the freeways are always crowded, especially around 8 am and 5 pm. Fortunately, people have an alternative option, as far as reaching their destination, everyday, which is public transportation. Metro railroads and buses can take a person almost everywhere in Los Angeles County. The buses are environmentally friendly and they offer different payment options to ride on a regular basis. I believe that Los Angeles County would be much better off relying on public transportation, bike riding, or walking to get from point A to point B. This will help decrease the pollution problems and it can even help improve the health of many people.
If you were to stand on a plateau or mountain that overlooked Los Angeles County, you would not be able to see the area, clearly, if not, at all. This has very little to do with overcast. The main problem is that this area is covered with smog, caused by the millions of people that use fossil fuel powered vehicles. If everyone could afford a hybrid vehicle, the problem could easily be fixed. Unfortunately, this type of vehicle is not in everyone’s financial budget. The next best thing would be to use public transportation, such as the Metro. If everyone were required to take the train, bus, bicycle or walk to work, Los Angeles County would be a much cleaner area. The Metro public transportation company is one of the largest clean air public transportation chains, in the world. The buses do not produce smog, and the trains are powered by electricity. Riding a bike and walking are powered by the energy found in the human body, which definitely does not contribute to the pollution epidemic.
When people drive their cars to work, they are not getting much physical activity, during the day. It is important for everyone to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, everyday. Sitting in a car and then behind a desk for several hours, is not in your best health interest. Walking and riding your bike to work or school allows you to get the exercise that you usually do not have time to fit into your busy schedule. Since America is one of the most overweight countries, the amount of overweight people could decrease overtime.
In conclusion, if the law required everyone in overpopulated areas to use public transportation, walking, and riding bikes as a means of transportation, the city would possibly be able to stop and reverse pollution and have healthier citizens. It is a very drastic step, but if we expect a change, we need to make changes that are ultimately in everyone’s best interests.
Cited
US Census Bureau Population Division, October 1, 2010, Google 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment