Which statement aligns with the described relationship between density, mode share, and emissions?

• A. Higher density supports more walking, biking, and transit, reducing emissions.
• B. Higher density increases car ownership.
• C. Density has no impact on mode share.
• D. Low density reduces emissions.

Answer: (A)

Density shapes travel choices by making walking, biking, and transit practical. When neighborhoods are dense, destinations cluster within a short radius, streets are more walkable, and transit can operate more frequently and efficiently because there are enough riders. This combination shifts the mode share away from driving toward non-car options, reducing vehicle miles traveled and thus emissions. So, the statement that higher density supports more walking, biking, and transit, reducing emissions, best fits the described relationship.

The idea that density increases car ownership conflicts with how density typically changes travel behavior; density does influence mode share, so saying it has no impact isn’t accurate; and low density generally leads to more car-dependent travel and higher emissions, not lower.