I thought the recent AP article on driving our cars differently would include more tips on driving our car less, not just about ways to save money because of the increase in gas price. Active transportation should be encouraged for both physical and environmental health.

The tip to “consider carpooling and combining trips” was a good message to put out there. Fewer cars will help nature in many ways, not just save people money. Also, the tips on driving slower and not idling will reduce pollution, not just save drivers money on gas. 

Many Maine community organizations, The Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Casco Bay Alliance and others, have been working on getting more roads designed for the people who walk, bike and roll outside of cars to be safe.

The Rails to Trails Conservancy, a national group that has been working for decades on making abandoned rail lines into multi-use trails, has helped increase active transportation in many states. And it is great that MaineDOT approved and will start its work plan for the Casco Bay Trail this year, starting with the section between Portland and Yarmouth. 

We need to focus on the positive changes that are coming during these negative times.

Angela King-Horne
Pownal