Increasing Livability Increases the Local Economy
A good quality of life draws people to a community. Cities want to attract people to:
- improve the local economy,
- boost real estate values,
- attract new businesses to increase the job market,
- promote tourism,
- and stay progressive.
The standards used to measure a community’s quality of life often include such markers as leisure time, finances, health, happiness and environment. Active transportation and recreational opportunities play an important role in all of these standards and thus improves Columbia’s quality of life in many ways.
Leisure Time
The average commute to work keeps Americans behind the wheel three weeks of every year. Most Americans do not prefer long commutes, congestion or road rage. When the people in a community use active transportation, the amount of traffic decreases. Less time is spent behind the wheel and more time enjoying life.
Finances
Using active or public transportation translates into personal savings. This money can then be redirected to increase your quality of life. Commuting to work by bicycle, for example, could potentially save thousands of dollars a year. Active Transportation also helps city finances. Less money is needed for new roads or street repairs. The local economy is also boosted when more personal savings leads to more money to spend in local shops.
Health
Active transport improves your health which improves your quality of life. For example, walking or biking for twenty minutes each day has been shown to reduce health risks. The best way to combat obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease is through fitness! Research also links exercise to satisfaction and happiness.
Happiness
Safe neighborhoods directly contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness. A series of trails and sidewalks will provide not just a transportation network, but connect our neighborhoods by providing spaces for public interaction. Neighborhoods with people out walking, biking and wheeling are considered friendlier, safer and more livable.
Environment
Necessary to good health is a clean environment. Columbians will reap the benefits of active transportation through cleaner air, less non-point source pollution and more greenspace.
