Every Trip Counts
CITY TO LAUNCH PROGRAM TO PROMOTE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Every Trip Counts begins June 5
ARVADA—The City of Arvada is partnering with the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) to launch a new program asking citizens to reduce their driving. Program participants receive resources and education on alternative transportation in addition to rewards and incentives. The program, called Every Trip Counts, ultimately aims to improve air quality in and around the City of Arvada.
Every Trip Counts kicks off June 5 at the City’s Trails Day event at the Majestic View Nature Center 7030 Garrison Street and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge on W. 80th Avenue, just east of Kipling Street from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission. Citizens who choose to participate in Every Trip Counts will register either at the event or by logging on to www.EveryTripCounts.org and providing some basic information. Participants are encouraged to reduce their vehicle trips by only two (2) trips per week and by doing so will be rewarded with prizes and incentives.
The new transportation-focused program coincides with the start of summertime ozone pollution season. Ground-level ozone is the metro area’s biggest air quality concern as the region is currently out of compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current health-based standard. Unlike the protective ozone layer located in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone pollution is harmful to everyone, especially the young and elderly. Those who are active and exercise outdoors may experience breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may result in reduced resistance to lung infections and colds. Ozone can also trigger attacks and symptoms in individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory infections like chronic bronchitis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Approximately 30 percent of the metro area’s ozone precursor emissions come from motor vehicles so efforts to reduce emissions from mobile sources are a priority for the State of Colorado as well as the RAQC and its partners in clean air. Efforts on the part of local governments like the City of Arvada are critical to ensuring long-term compliance with federal standards. The City of Arvada is excited to partner with the RAQC on this innovative program.
The Executive Director for the RAQC agreed stating: “Ground-level ozone pollution is the Denver-area’s biggest air quality concern. Its health impacts are becoming more recognized everyday,” said Lloyd. “It is important to remember that citizens have the ability to improve our air quality by making simple changes, such as taking the bus or riding a bike instead of driving.”
For more information about RAQC or Every Trip Counts, please call Sarah Anderson, communications manager, at 303-629-5450 x 220 or visit EveryTripCounts.org.
About Regional Air Quality Council (www.RAQC.org)
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality-planning agency for the seven-county Denver-metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, businesses and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region. The RAQC has partnered with the City of Arvada to help spread the word about alternative transportation options in and around the City.
