Via Streetsblog: The folks at the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy have figured out that if we could double the bike/pedestrian mode share for trips of one mile or less (from the current 31% to 70%) we would not only save 50 BILLION miles driven each year, we’d have a much healthier population. Full report (PDF, 5M).

Portland State University Center for Transportation Studies Spring 2008 Transportation Seminar Series Speaker: Dr. James Sallis, Professor of Psychology, San Diego State University; Director, Active Living Research Co-Sponsored by the School of Community Health Topic: Public Health and Active Living When: Friday, June 6, 2008, 12:00-1:30pm Where: PSU Urban Center Building, SW 6th and Mill,…

Via Planetizen: A study by The Corporation for National and Community Service finds a correlation between longer commute times and decreasing volunteerism. This agrees with a correlation that sociologist Robert Putnam reported in his book on declining social capital: Bowling Alone. Portland of course was the counter-example in his book. We also have declining average…

Via Planetizen. Could explain why all those retirees are flocking to the Pearl.

Via Planetizen: From the Austin American-Statesman: Besides taking time away from family, a long commute can be harmful to your health. Researchers have found that hours spent behind the wheel raise blood pressure and cause workers to get sick and stay home more often. Commuters have lower thresholds for frustration at work, suffer more headaches…