By Changing Transportation Habits, We Can Make Impact – Asher Petter, Mill Valley

By changing transportation habits, we can make impact

Recently, I found myself standing at a major intersection in Mill Valley counting dozens of cars idling in traffic, each one contributing to the emissions that change the climate and threaten our coastal community. As a student at Tamalpais High School, I know it is easy to be overwhelmed by the global climate crisis, but what if we could significantly shrink our local carbon footprint by simply changing how we move through our own neighborhoods?

The issue is clear; transportation is the largest driver of emissions in Marin County. While we often talk about global policy, we are neglecting the most effective local tool at our disposal, investing in actual safe active transportation infrastructure.

Critics might argue that Marin’s geography makes biking or skating impractical for the average commuter. However, by prioritizing protected pathways, we can make active transport a safe, viable option for students and residents alike. This is a “no regrets” policy; it reduces emissions while also improving air quality and community health.

We must urge our local town councils to accelerate the implementation of our climate action plans by funding these essential infrastructure projects now. We cannot wait for global solutions to reach our streets.

I am currently raising funds for 350 Marin, a local nonprofit organization, to support these efforts, but institutional change is the true path to a liveable future. Let’s choose to build a county that moves toward a carbon-neutral reality, one bike lane at a time.

That’s just a very small example of the kind of wide impact that she’s had on many, many lives,” he said.

— Asher Petter, Mill Valley