The City of Santa Monica is currently in the planning process for redeveloping the Promenade area of Downtown Santa Monica. The Downtown Parking Taskforce claims that there is a need for an additional 1,400 parking spots for cars to make the area competitive with other shopping centers. This concerns me because I feel that increased parking spots will bring more cars and air pollution to the already heavily trafficked area. As a result, I think it would be beneficial to put in high-class bike parking facilities instead. Bike parking facilities have been successful in Southern California. By increasing the amount of bike parking, local residents are encouraged to use bike transportation directly decreasing the amount of cars traveling within Santa Monica. According to the EPA Website, cars are one of the major factors that contribute to ground level smog, which cannot only affect our personal health but also alter the beauty of our local environment.
The health effects of repeated exposure to ozone pollution include lung irritation and permanent lung damage. Ozone can also cause difficulty breathing during outdoor activities, wheezing, coughing and aggravated asthma. The environmental affects of “bad” ozone are equally troubling, including: Negatively impacting the appearance of urban vegetation, such as the Santa Monica Mountains, and reducing the productivity of crops and forest growth. When determining the newest plans for Downtown Santa Monica, do not forget our personal health or the beauty of the environment; consider building bike lots which are becoming ever so popular in Southern California. Ride a bike, save a tree and a lung!!
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 21, 2007. Read the original PDF.