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 With global warming a growing concern, anything that spews CO2—a major cause of climate change—is a no-no. Cars are responsible for about 35% of all CO2 emissions, so it’s fortunate that some forward-thinking cities have used urban planning to provide attractive alternatives to the automobile—primarily transport by foot, bike, bus and train. Not only are these better for the environment, but they make us healthier, save time and increase our bank accounts.
By utilizing a city’s public transportation system, you will:
- Improve your physical fitness, especially if you choose to walk or bike.
- Breathe less air pollution than if you drive a car—even walking or biking near traffic. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s true.
- Save money in the long run. All that extra cash you would have spent on buying or renting a car—not to mention fuel, repairs and maintenance—is reduced to a single fare, a human-powered bicycle or some walking shoes.
- Be able to navigate the city in a manner that is often faster than traveling by car.
- Become immersed in an enviornment with more social opportunities. As a traveler especially, you will prize the new friends you make when mixing with the locals who also take advantage of mass transit.
So here’s what you’ve been waiting for (drum roll, please): the top ten cities in the world that provide excellent public transportation, walking and biking alternatives to cars.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Fully 25% of commuters in Copenhagen use bikes, many borrowing them free from the city. (You pay $2.50 up front, but the money is refunded upon returning the bike.) Aptly called “City Bike Copenhagen,” this program allows folks to take a bike from—and later return it to—one of the 110 stands around the city. Copenhagen has also added many pedestrian-only streets that, in turn, link to pedestrian-priority streets where cars are allowed, but only at low speeds.
2. Hong Kong, China
Efficient, far-reaching and affordable, Hong Kong’s mass transit railway (MTR) connects more than 150 stations across the city. Also of interest is the Mid-levels residential area that caters to an unusual form of transportation—a network of covered outdoor escalators, the longest in the world. It consists of 20 escalators and three moving walkways that move in various directions throughout the day. Its uniqueness has made it a popular Hong Kong tourist attraction.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s main urban hubs—Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya—have developed around the Yamanote, an extensive, efficient and affordable railway line. Tokyo also operates a subway system that will generally get you anywhere the railway system cannot. Because Tokyo has relatively flat terrain and plentiful crosswalks, taking a stroll is very easy and pleasant. And the roads have large sidewalks that are shared by bicycles.
4. Paris, France
Paris features approximately 1,450 bicycle rental and return stations (one every 300 metres in the city) available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The city is also well served by its metro, public buses and pedestrian-friendly streets.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Thanks to its large network of fast and relatively safe bicycle routes, 40% of Amsterdam’s traffic consists of bikes. For years the city has made bicycle safety and security a main priority, including developing a robust theft-prevention program. For example, underground sheds and outside racks are available everywhere for bike storage. Public bicycles are also available for rent.
6. New York City, United States
New York City’s subway system is the world’s largest rapid transit system—bar none—and, unlike many of its counterparts around the world, it operates 24 hours a day. Its bus and commuter rail networks are also extensive—the largest in North America. Nearly 55% of all commuters within the city use mass transit, making it the nation’s leader in terms of public transportation usage. Add to this its 120,000 cyclists and pedestrian commuters, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most energy-efficient metropolitan areas in the US.
7. Havana, Cuba
There are many economical and creative ways to get around Havana, Cuba. Its Gua gua (slang for public transportation) includes the Astro bus that travels throughout most of the island, and the Viazul bus (more modern, with a restroom) that connects the island’s major cities. It’s also incredibly cheap to rent your own bike in Havana or hire a bicitaxi, a bicycle-powered rickshaw.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s public transport system includes a metro, a bus system, aerial cable cars and three tram networks (including an historic tram line). One key element is its public biking system that was started in 2007. It’s similar to other cities’ bike rental programs, except that bikers must register for a user card. They can then choose a bike from the 100-plus stations located around the city.
9. Berlin, Germany
Among big cities in Europe, Berlin has the lowest number of personal cars thanks in part to its renowned bike-path system—nearly 62 miles (100 km) of bike lanes in its streets and 31 miles (50 km) on its sidewalks. So it’s no surprise that Berlin has 400,000 cyclists who account for nearly 12% of its total street traffic.
10. San Francisco, United States
Nearly a third of commuters in San Francisco use public transportation, making it one of the top US locales in this regard. And why not? The city offers a plethora of mass transit choices including its subway (Muni Metro), light rail system (Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART) and buses. There are also trolleybuses, motor coaches, hybrid buses and even streetcars that run underground in the downtown area. These options are especially important for a hilly city like San Fransisco, where walking can be tiring if you aren’t in tip-top physical shape.
By offering such great transportation alternatives to the automobile, these cities are doing a lot to minimize their energy use and carbon footprints—and reduce pollution as well. If you are thinking about relocating or taking a vacation, why not choose one of these locales? And if you plan on staying put, it makes sense to encourage your home city to follow the lead of these environmentally progressive cities.
Additional resources:
Paris: More Beautiful by Bike
Chinese High-Speed Rail: Why Fly When You Can Ride?
In Much of the World, Pedestrians Rule the Naked Streets
Greenest Cities: New York City, the Green 'Big Apple'
Public Transportation Thrives in Europe and Asia—Why Not in the USA?
World-Class Mass Transit: The Top Cities Around the Globe
Bangkok Fights Traffic and Pollution With Green Bike Program
'Goodbye, GM': Michael Moore Presents His 9-Point Plan for the Future of Transportation
Eco Cycle: A Guide to the Two-Wheeled Commute
Travel Light: How to Leave Minimal Carbon Footprints While Traveling
[If you know of a city somewhere in the world that is worthy of recognition for its environmental transportation or other activities, please comment below. – Ed.]
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