Sightline Daily Seeking News Editor
Posted by
Elisa Murray
09/24/2008 08:30 AM
The full job posting is here.
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Special Series
Word on the Street
27
In a Series
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Posted by
Anna Fahey
09/24/2008 07:40 AM
Study: Older Americans want to lose their cars to save money, but streets aren't always ped-friendly.
A new poll by AARP finds that many Americans ages 50 and older are driving less as a result of high gas prices. But getting around isn't always easy - inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as insufficient public transportation options are obstacles to older Americans saving money by leaving their car at home.
- Almost one of every three people 50 and over (29 percent) say they are now walking as a way to avoid high gas prices.
- But as those people set out to walk, almost 40 percent of the 50+ population say they do not have adequate sidewalks in their neighborhoods.
- Additionally, 44 percent say they do not have nearby public transportation that is accessible.
- Almost half (47 percent) of poll responders say they cannot cross the main roads safely (this is crucial: 4 in 10 pedestrian fatalities are over the age of 50.)
