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hey guys, here is some background info/quotes on traffic as an issue. I've tried to organize it as a "strategy-type" document, but obviously you guys can move things around for the essay.


 * __ Issue __**** : ** Traffic as a social problem in the GTA. The high-speed roadways in and around the city of Toronto are becoming more congested with vehicular traffic every year.


 * __ Background __**

This strategy will focus on traffic in terms of “traffic congestion”.
 * Traffic **** : ** The passing to and fro of persons, or of vehicles or vessels, along a road, railway, canal, or other route of transport. (OED)


 * Currently… **

 · According to Transport Canada, “ Most Canadians drive or ride in cars, vans, buses or trucks to get where they want and need to go. Canada has nearly 900,000 kilometres of road — enough to circle the globe 22 times! “ (Transport canada)  · “Canada's national highway system is made up of over 38,000 kilometres of important national and regional highways.” (Transport Canada)  · GTA home to highways 400, 401, 410, 427 -- Leslie's adding the following highways also: 404, Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), 403, 407, 409  · “There are over 16,500 kilometres (39,000 lane km) of provincial highway. Placed end to end, Ontario's highways would span Canada twice.” (Ministry of Transportation)  · “More than 90 per cent of all Ontarians reside within 10 km of the provincial highways. During the peak periods, about one third of the auto trips in Ontario use provincial highways.” (Ministry of Transportation) · “There are approximately 11.0 million registered vehicles (includes passenger vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, commercial vehicles, buses, trailers, snow vehicles, and off road vehicles), 9.1 million drivers and approximately 85,000 bus and truck companies actively operating on our highways.” (Ministry of Transportation)

· “There are approximately 1,312,868 commercial vehicles (of which approximately 253,000 are large trucks), 32,290 buses, and 577,700 commercially licensed bus and truck drivers registered in Ontario. Thousands more operate into Ontario from other jurisdictions.” (Ministry of Transportation)

· “On a typical day, 432,000 vehicles use Highway 401 near Highway 400, making it one of the busiest sections of highway in North America” (Ministry of Transportation)

· “Most of the world's 6.9 billion people live in cities. City dwellers consume about three quarters of the world's energy and generate most of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.” (Suzuki)

· But steering society away from cars is essential. In his book, [|Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities] : Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World, UBC professor [|Patrick Condon] points out that "Thirty per cent of the world's carbon dioxide production comes from the United States and Canada, where only about six per cent of the world's people live. Of this amount, about a quarter comes directly from transportation — and the bulk of that from single-passenger automobiles." (Suzuki)

· According to Forbes, “The annual delay per driver is in excess of 47 hours per year.” (Malone)

·


 * Why is traffic a bad thing? **

__ Health __

 · Traffic is a social problem because it affects the health of the general public.

 · “According to BBC News, A German study has found people caught in traffic are three times more likely to have a heart attack within the hour than those who are not stuck in a jam.” (BBC News)

 · “Scientists, who studied hundreds of heart attacks, concluded nearly one in 12 was linked to traffic. Women and the over-60s were particularly at risk.” (BBC News)

 · “The researchers say more work is required to determine whether the heart attacks are due to traffic-related stress or exposure to high levels of pollution.” (BBC News)

· “The study was based on interviews with 691 volunteers who survived a heart attack from 1999 to 2001. The patients were asked to outline their activities during the four days before their attacks. Being stuck in a traffic jam seemed to increase risk no matter what form of transport the patient was using.” (BBC News)

· “Heart attacks were 2.6 times more common for people stuck in cars, 3.1 times higher for people taking public transportation, and 3.9 times greater for cyclists.” (BBC News)

· “However, because people on public transport seemed to be at risk, the researchers believe that stress is unlikely to be the only factor.” ( BBC News)

 · “The following is a summary of the main pollutants produced by road traffic and the way they may affect your health: ** Nitrogen oxides: ** These are created when vehicle engines burn nitrogen that is present in the air and nitrogen compounds found in fossil fuels. Nitrogen oxides can irritate airways, especially your lungs. ** Carbon monoxide: ** This gas is produced by incomplete combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel. All engine exhaust contains a certain amount of carbon monoxide, but the amount will increase if your vehicle engine is poorly maintained. Carbon monoxide decreases the ability of your blood to carry oxygen. ** Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): ** These are a large family of carbon-containing compounds that evaporate easily. Engine exhaust contains a number of different VOCs. Some of them, such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene, are cancer-causing agents, although the risk at current levels in the environment is small. ** Fine particulate matter: ** These tiny particles contain many substances, including metals, acids, carbon, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Some of these particles are emitted in vehicle exhaust, while others are formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between the various pollutants found in exhaust. Particulates are known to aggravate symptoms in individuals who already suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. ** Ground-level ozone: ** This is not emitted directly by vehicle engines, but is formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and VOCs. These reactions are stimulated by sunlight, and this is why concentrations of ground-level ozone are higher during the summer months. Ground-level ozone irritates airways and can trigger reactions in people who have asthma. Ground-level ozone should not be confused with the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which provides protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The air pollution from road traffic causes two types of effects on health: ** Acute Effects: ** These effects occur rapidly (in a few hours or days) following exposure to high levels of pollutants. In certain cases, air pollution may worsen symptoms for people with existing heart and lung conditions. Scientific research carried out in Canada and in other countries has shown that the number of deaths and hospitalizations related to respiratory and cardiac conditions increases when the levels of ground-level ozone or fine particulate matter increase. ** Chronic Effects: ** These occur over time following extended exposures (months or years). Scientific studies in Europe have shown that children living in areas with higher traffic density have more respiratory symptoms than other children. “  (Health Canada) __ Pollution __  · Traffic is affecs our health and the health of the planet because of pollution.  · “National Research Center for Environment and Health in Neuherberg, said: "Given our current knowledge, it is impossible to determine the relative contribution of risk factors such as stress and traffic-related air pollution.” (BBC News)  · "Nevertheless, patients who are at risk for acute coronary events are likely to profit from recent efforts to improve the air quality in urban areas with the use of cleaner vehicles and improved city planning." (BBC News)   · “Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said the study provided new insights into the possible triggers of heart attacks. ""Since these patients had more than double the risk if they were in traffic shortly before their heart attack - regardless of whether they were in cars, public transport or on a bicycle - increased air pollution was the most likely trigger.” (BBC News)  · "Although it is difficult to rule out other factors such as stress, this study certainly strengthens the arguments in favour of stronger measures to reduce pollution in our cities.” (BBC News)  · “Cars, buses and trucks are a source of air pollution. When their engines burn fuels (gasoline or diesel), they produce large amounts of chemicals that are emitted in engine exhaust. In addition, some of the gasoline used by engines vaporizes into the air without having burned, and this also creates pollution.” (Health Canada)  <span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · “there is still cause for concern because: the number of vehicles on Canada's roads and highways has increased over the years; and, more people are driving sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), which consume more fuel than cars and therefore cause more air pollution.” (Health Canada)

__ Inconvenience __

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · Not only is traffic detrimental to people and the environment, but it is an enormous iconvenience. <span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · “I hate traffic” facebook groups < http://www.facebook.com/search.php?q=i%20hate%20traffic&init=quick&tas=0.27873092656955123> ** So Far… ** <span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · “Auto makers have made some pretty good progress in reducing petroleum consumption by improving engine efficiency and applying hybrid technology. But much of the benefit is lost if you’re stuck in traffic with the engine idling and going nowhere.” (Vaughn)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · ** “ ** A report by the U.S. Energy Security Leadership Council estimated that 2.5 per cent of the oil used for transportation in America is wasted by people sitting in traffic jams. Los Angeles drivers apparently waste more than 350 million gallons of fuel a year while stuck in traffic; in New York, it’s about 250 million gallons.” (Vaughn)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · It has been suggested, in the U.S.A. for example, that they deal with //their// problem as “Singapore, London and Stockholm have done with “cordon pricing” (i.e. congestion charges) and by putting tolls on more roads.” (Vaughn)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · Unorthodox solutions: “Here’s an alternative. I’m not suggesting that the approach taken by certain Chinese entrepreneurs is preferable, but it does show what might be coming to North America if government action fails. It’s a service called jam-busting and I read in the China Daily that it is now available in several cities. Drivers who are in traffic jams (remember the “month-long” one last summer?) can now get on their mobile phones and call for a couple of people to show up on a motorcycle. One stays with your car and the other puts you on the back of the bike and blasts off thorough, around, between the jam.” (Vaughn)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · “If you want to get somewhere on time in Paris these days, you call a motorcycle taxi service (big Honda Gold Wings) that sticks you on the back in a protective suit and drives like crazy to get you through the tangled traffic.” (Vaughn)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · “Solutions will be found – by governments or entrepreneurs – take your choice.” (Vaughn)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · I”n Bogotá, Colombia, [|Enrique Peñalosa] made great strides as mayor from 1998 to 2001. By increasing gas taxes, restricting car use during rush hour, creating more parks and bicycle routes, and improving public transit, he helped make the crowded and once-polluted city far more livable.” (Suzuki)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · “Queen’s Park estimates that the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s population will increase by nearly 2.6 million by 2031. That will add close to a million more cars to the morning rush hour” (Preville)

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · The way we get around has changed drastically, “But it's not just "bread winners" who need a car. Everyone of driving age needs one. To be without a car in these landscapes imprisons one in the home, leading to a craving for escape with a car as the means. But in this case, escape does not mean freedom.” (Condon 9) <span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · Cities are no longer built to be //walkable// “A landscape where walking is impossible is a landscape where our legs are used only to get from the couch to the refrigerator and from the front door to the driveway. Residents of auto-oriented suburbs walk less and weigh more than people in walkable areas.” (Condon 9)

** Strategy: **

<span style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;"> · Health Canada suggests that we can decrease the risks we face due to traffic through a variety of means: “You can help to minimize risks for all Canadians by taking steps to reduce traffic-related air pollution. Whenever possible, use public transit, bicycle or walk instead of using your vehicle. If public transit is not available, try to car pool. Take fuel efficiency into account when you buy a vehicle. Keep your vehicles well maintained.” (Health Canada) · ... However, this alone will not solve the issue of traffic and its effects. Traffic can be improved with ideas and innovations brought forth from the citizens. · <span style="font-family: Symbol; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: -18pt;">·

Work Cited “Heavy Traffic Bad For Your Heart.” //Health//. BBC News, 21 Oct. 2004. < http: //news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3761012.stm// //>Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//“Road Traffic and Air Pollution” Health Canada, May 2004. <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/// //hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/traf-eng.php> Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//“Traffic.”// The Oxford English Dictionary//. Oxford University Press: 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//“Road Transportation.” Transport Canada, 9 Feb. 2011. < http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/// //road-menu.htm> Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//“Ontario Region.” Transport Canada, 9 Feb. 2011, <http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ontario/ menu.htm> Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//Ministry of Transportation. Government of Ontario, 4 Nov. 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//Vaughn, Michael. “Beating the Traffic Jam Blues”// The Globe and Mail//, 23, Feb. 2011. < http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/green-driving/news-and-notes/beating-the-traffic-jam-blues/article1917659/> Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//Moola, Faisal and Suzuki, David. “Making Cities More Livable May Save The World.” David Suzuki Foundation, 20 Oct. 2010. < http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/science-matters/2010/10/making-cities-more-livable-may-save-the-world/>Web. 26 Feb. 2011.//

//Malone, Robert. “Worst Cities for Traffic”// Forbes.com//, 7 Feb. 2006. < http://www.forbes.com/2006/02/06/worst-traffic-nightmares-cx_rm_0207traffic.html> Web. 26, Feb. 2011.//

//Preville, Phillip. “Toronto’s Traffic Time Bomb”// TorontoLife.com//, April 2008. < http://www.torontolife.com/features/monster-jam/> Web. 26 Feb. 2011.

Condon, M. Patrick. “Seven Rules For Sustainable Communities: Design Strategies for the Post-Carbon World.” United States of America: Island Press, 2010. Print.