Beautifying your surroundings isn’t just inherently fabulous, it’s functional, too!

Plant more green, reduce crime

A new study out of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine confirms what other recent studies have shown: when you increase greenery, crime decreases.

Protect lovely Ladies (and Lady-lovers), plant a tree! Fewer desolate asphalt stretches also means decreased run-off, so greening doesn’t just save lives, it saves waterways, too!

From ScienceDaily.com:

“Vacant lot greening changes the physical environment of a neighborhood from one that may promote crime and fear to one that may reduce crime and make people feel safer,” said lead author Eugenia C. Garvin, MD, a resident in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine. “Our theory is that transforming vacant lots from a space overgrown with vegetation and filled with trash to a clean and green space may make it difficult for people to hide illegal guns and conduct other illegal activities such as drug use in or near the space. Additionally, green space may encourage community cohesion.”

[...] Twenty one residents living near both sites were interviewed before and after the greening. Survey results show that residents living near the greened vacant lots felt significantly safer at the three-month follow-up visit compared to those near the control site. Additionally, the research team analyzed police reported crime data from three months before and three months after the greening. Total crime, as well as assaults with and without a gun, was less after the greening.

Another added bonus? There’s nothing quite like riding by lush foliage, breeze in your hair, basket filled with fresh flowers.

More bikes, more green, more happiness!

Portland is greening some of their lots, is there a lot that you could bring to your city’s attention?

Keep greening, smiling, and riding, Ladies!

XOXO