The Green Transportation Hierarchy

The green transportation hierarchy is the basic concept behind transportation reform groups all over the world, including Transportation Alternatives. The hierarchy puts city-friendly cyclists and pedestrians first. It rewards their low cost, space efficiency, and zero environmental impact. Trucks are not last because they perform vital commercial functions in cities. An important part of the green transportation hierarchy is that trucks get priority over personal automobiles for scarce curbside parking. This would eliminate many of the double-parking problems that plague places such as the 6th Ave. bike lane.

In an ideal NYC, transportation decision-making, allocation of road space, and project funding and resources would reflect the green transportation hierarchy. While we still have a long way to go, T.A.-championed projects such as the widened sidewalks at Herald and Greeley Square, and new bike lanes, are important steps towards more rational transportation planning.

Other policies that would reflect and reinforce the green transportation hierarchy include the pricing of all on-street parking in Manhattan south of 96th Street, tolls on bridges and tunnels, congestion pricing, and parking policies that prioritize commercial needs over personal autos.

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