The section below is from the Relocalise Newsletter May 2008 available at http://www.relocalize.net/newsletter/may08.

Carpooling, Carsharing and Walking School Buses
Transportation is a major focus for planners in cities and municipalities, and while increasing gas prices are being felt across the board, they are much more evident at the pump. Nationwide spending on gas in the US has increased by 26% to 5.2% on average overall. How can one curb spending on gas and all the related costs of car ownership while still getting around? Shelby Tay offers some examples of community activities that can help us make the transition away from our gas guzzling ways. Read more here.

Online Resources
This time of year also brings the start of awareness campaigns around the world, including Bike-to-Work week and car-free festivals that encourage us to be smarter with our travel. May is national bike month across the United States. Check out 50 ways (large PDF) to celebrate Bike Month and browse bike advocacy groups by state to find one near you, courtesy of the League of American Cyclists.

Here are some more resources to give you some ideas:

• Interested in seeing what it takes to organize a carfree day in your neighbourhood?

  Download Sierra Club of Canada: How to Stage a Carfree Day in Your Community.
• Need some graphics to spice up your latest poster or news release?

  Browse the World Carefree Network: Carbusters Graphics Book.
• Want to show a friend a video illustrating how carsharing works?

  Take a peak at the World Carshare Video Library.
• Unsure whether you’re ready to take to the streets on your bike or want to find ways of making streets more bike friendly?

  Read through Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)’s Guides: Safe Cycling Tips, Street Reclaiming Guide
• Are you an employer and want to encourage your employees to bike to work?

  Consult the London Cycling Campaign: Guide for Employers

To read more about The Relocalisation Networks’ work visit http://www.relocalize.net.