Economic impacts of self-driving vehicles & cycling

Description

As part of our commitment to addressing our region’s transportation needs, join us as we take a look at two significant changes to the ways people are -- or will be -- moving throughout our region.

We'll start with a presentation exploring the economic development benefits of investing in cycling and bike infrastructure; including the need to improve connectivity between bike paths, transit stations, commercial centers and cultural attractions. After that, we’ll take a step forward and explore the fiscal and economic impacts of the transition to self-driving vehicles on Massachusetts, our municipalities and our households.  We’ll explore current revenue sources, how self-driving cars will impact our municipal budgets and identify policy options to mitigate certain fiscal and economic impacts.

Our cycling conversation will be led by Richard Fries, executive director, of MassBike, an organization that has been working with MassDOT, Beacon Hill, DCR, the Department of Public Health, police and planners to improve conditions for bicycle riders in Massachusetts since 1977.  Rafael Mares, an attorney and Vice President at the Conservation Law Foundation, will lead the presentation about self-driving vehicles. Mares will present the findings of a new CLF report that will provide a fiscal analysis these vehicles will have on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.