Passage 1

Question

Chattanooga Bike Shares: Lessons
for Smaller Cities
Posted on Apr. 10, 2014
1
Chattanooga, Tennessee, was, in a lot of ways, not an ideal city for
bike-sharing. It's a somewhat sprawling city, without a strong culture of cycling and
walking. In addition, only a small percentage of area residents use transit to get
around, so not many are leaving the car in the garage.
2
But local leaders didn't use these challenges as excuses not to act to improve
public health. This city of 170,000 launched the Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System
last July, with 30 stations and 300 bikes dispersed around a 2.5-square mile area
of downtown. In doing so, little Chattanooga beat larger cities like New York and
Chicago to the punch.
3
"Our purpose with bike-sharing was to put a large amount of cyclists on
the street in a short time, to change the dynamic, to improve our air quality, our
health and active transportation overall," said Chattanooga Bike Coordinator Philip
Pugliese, at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City last
week.
4
Chattanooga had studied bike-sharing since as early as 2007. During that
time, bike-share supporters surveyed local residents about their interest in cycling,
if they had access to a bike. About 75 percent reported some level of interest.
Passage 2
Bike-share Programs:
Do Health Benefits Outweigh Safety Risks?
8
Add New York to the growing list of cities with bike-share programs. These
programs let people borrow bicycles from central locations, usually at very low cost
per ride. The Big Apple's bike sharing program began in 2012. New Yorkers were
invited to weigh in on where the bike stations should be located. According to the
New York Times, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg submitted a request for a station
near City Hall.
9
However, bike-share programs do introduce new risks, including biking
accidents and exposure to air pollution. A recent British Medical Journal study
offered a health impact assessment of the bike-share program in Barcelona,
Spain, used by close to 200,000 members. The goal of the study was to weigh
the benefits of increased physical activity and reduced reliance on cars against
potential risks. The study found that the increased use of biking over car travel
avoided twelve deaths a year and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Study authors
concluded that the benefits of the bike-share program outweighed the safety risks.
10
Another study, by researchers from Hunter College of the City University
of New York, looked at bike injuries in New York. It found that even though the
bicycling trend is taking off in New York City, the number of injuries has actually
been on the decline. In October 2012, New York City began collecting data on
bicycle accidents for the first time.
11
Biking advocates often suggest new or rusty riders consider a biking class
or lesson on bike safety, before joining a bike-share program. "You may not forget
how to ride a bike, but you could forget how to operate one," says Andy Clarke,
president of the League of American Bicyclists.
12
Reducing accidents can put the focus on the health benefits of bicycle
riding. That is a major reason for why the bike-sharing programs have cropped up.
According to the County Health Rankings, developed by the University of Wisconsin
and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NYC already has a lower obesity rate
than the rest of New York and the nation. Adding a bike-share program could help
residents become even more physically fit.

Writing Prompt
You've just read two passages about bike-sharing programs. Write an informational
essay describing the impact a bike-sharing program can have on a community.

Answer 1

The Impact of Bike-Sharing Programs on Communities

In recent years, bike-sharing programs have emerged as a transformative force within urban landscapes, providing solutions to modern dilemmas of transportation, health, and environmental sustainability. By allowing residents and visitors to borrow bicycles from strategically located stations, these programs not only facilitate ease of mobility but also promote a healthier, more active lifestyle and contribute to improved air quality. Two enlightening case studies, exemplified by Chattanooga, Tennessee, and New York City, illustrate the multifaceted impacts of bike-sharing initiatives.

Promoting Active Transportation and Public Health

The implementation of bike-sharing programs encourages active transportation—a shift from car dependence to more sustainable, healthier modes of mobility. Chattanooga's Bicycle Transit System launched in 2014, aims to change the dynamic of transportation in a city characterized by sprawling geography and limited cycling infrastructure. According to Chattanooga Bike Coordinator Philip Pugliese, the initiative was designed to increase the number of cyclists on the road swiftly, thus fostering a culture that values physical activity and an alternative to automobile travel. Chattanooga’s experience indicates that communities facing similar challenges can still reap the benefits of such programs by emphasizing public health improvements.

In larger metropolitan areas like New York City, the bike-share program initiated in 2012 similarly promotes physical activity while addressing community health concerns. The positive correlation between increased physical activity and reduced rates of obesity is well-documented. In fact, studies have shown that bike-sharing can play a pivotal role in decreasing obesity rates by facilitating regular exercise. With a bike-share system in place, residents are more likely to integrate cycling into their daily routines, leading to healthier lifestyle choices.

Environmental Benefits and Safety Considerations

Beyond health, bike-sharing programs offer significant environmental advantages. By reducing the reliance on personal vehicles, these programs decrease carbon emissions and contribute to improved air quality. Research conducted on the bike-share program in Barcelona revealed a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the ecological benefits of promoting cycling over car travel. Chattanooga’s initiative aligns with this trend, as leaders sought to enhance air quality and reduce pollution through the increase of cyclists on the streets.

While the health and environmental benefits are evident, concerns about safety must also be acknowledged. Both passages discuss the potential risks associated with bike-sharing, such as accidents and exposure to air pollution. However, studies indicate that with increased cycling, the number of biking-related injuries can actually decline, as noted in New York City’s experience. This suggests that greater visibility of cyclists can lead to improved safety measures and better awareness among all road users.

Community Engagement and Infrastructure Development

A successful bike-sharing program is not only about the bicycles themselves but also involves significant community engagement and infrastructure development. In New York City, public feedback was solicited to determine optimal locations for bike stations, ensuring that the program met the needs of locals. Similarly, Chattanooga conducted surveys revealing a strong interest in cycling among residents, driving the decision to launch their program. Engaging the community fosters a sense of ownership and encourages participation, which is vital for the sustainability of any public initiative.

Moreover, the introduction of bike-sharing often necessitates improvements in city infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and increased signage, creating a more bike-friendly environment. This transformation not only benefits cyclists but also enhances the overall urban landscape, making it more accessible and pleasant for all residents, including pedestrians and motorists.

Conclusion

In summary, bike-sharing programs represent a holistic approach to addressing urban challenges related to transportation, health, and the environment. With their ability to promote active lifestyles, enhance public health, reduce environmental impact, and foster community engagement, these initiatives serve as a critical component of modern urban planning. Both Chattanooga and New York City exemplify successful implementations of bike-sharing, demonstrating not only the immediate benefits but also the lasting positive impacts that can ripple through the community. As cities continue to explore innovative solutions to improve living conditions, bike-sharing programs will likely play an increasingly prominent role in shaping healthier, more sustainable urban environments.

Answer 2

make it one to two sentences

Answer 3

Bike-sharing programs significantly impact communities by promoting active transportation, improving public health, and reducing carbon emissions, as seen in Chattanooga’s initiative and New York City’s implementation. These programs encourage cycling, enhance infrastructure, and foster community engagement, leading to healthier, more sustainable urban environments.

Answer 4

make it shorter

Answer 5

Bike-sharing programs promote active transportation and improve public health while reducing carbon emissions, fostering healthier and more sustainable communities.