The South Bend Green Ribbon Commission has named Jeff Nixa as Chair of their Transportation Committee. Nixa will be responsible for “green oriented ideas for all things transportation” according to Chris Dressel, a South Bend City Planner.
The commission was created by South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke earlier this year to propose policies to reduce energy costs and consumption, and recommend sustainable operating practices for adoption by city government, private businesses and local citizens.
Underlying the Commission’s task list is the mayor’s commitment for South Bend to become one of the nation’s “Cool Cities.” That commitment includes a pledge to reduce the causes of global warming in line with the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Nixa is an advocate of alternative transportation. He led the South Bend Bike to Work day in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 he formed a group that became the Bike Michiana Coalition. The personable Nixa practices what he preaches: he can be seen riding his yellow bike to work at Memorial Hospital every work-day of the year. In fair weather, he can be seen accompanying one of his daughters on her bike-to-school trip to Adams High.
