The California Public Interest Research Group report says per capita miles driven in San Francisco and San Diego are both down 8 percent on average over the past few years. In Los Angeles, average miles driven are down about 2 percent.
Researchers say young city dwellers are leading the way.
“You see a lot of young people who want to drive less because it’s better for the environment, says Garo Manjikian with Calpirg. “A lot of it is because of technology as well. More people are able to do telecommuting.”
Nationwide, people are driving nearly 8 percent fewer miles than in 2004. The report says the slow economy and higher fuel costs are also contributing to fewer car trips.