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SOLUTIONS MAIN SECTION
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Section 2, Chapter 4
Bicycle commuting is simply riding a human-powered
vehicle to work.
Bicycling is probably the toughest Commute Solution to promote. It poses several daunting challenges, particularly since many people aren't comfortable riding in auto traffic, something that virtually every commute will require at some point along the trip. A U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics 2000 study found that 58 percent of bicyclists felt unsafe riding in or near traffic, while only 18 percent felt safe. However, 20 percent of adults said they would consider riding a bike to work if it were safer and more convenient. Therefore an ETC should use a site analysis (See Section 1, Chapter 3) to pinpoint areas that will make bicycle commuting more attractive. After all, bicycling offers the greatest benefits to the environment—and possibly the commuter—of all the Commute Solutions choices. 1. Pinpoint Types of Bicycle Commuters Not all bike commuters are alike, but most
fall into one of the following categories: Casual Rider Hardcore Rider The strategy for casual commuters is to look for ways to leverage their commutes with other modes, if necessary. For instance, is there a carpool, vanpool or transit that would work on bad weather days, or if they just don't feel like taking a bike in? For hardcore riders, an ETC should focus on keeping constant lines of communication open to ensure the employer is doing everything possible to make their commutes easier. For example, are clean showers and lockers provided at the work site?
If an ETC hasn't done a site analysis (See Section 1, Chapter 3), now is the time to do it, while considering amenities for bicyclists. After the analysis, an ETC can plan what improvements are needed at each location of the work site. Remember, bicycle commuters aren't just dealing with their bikes. They often have removable components to the bike (seats, wheels, etc.) that are subject to theft, as well as equipment and clothing that needs to be stored. Ideal site improvements would be: Male and Female Locker Rooms with Showers Creating new space for showers and lockers can be a costly proposition for smaller employers. Contact your facilities manager for information on costs and feasibility. Or another employer with shower facilities in your community could help supply cost information. Be creative, however, and explore other resources, such as creating facilities for an entire building leased by several different employers with costs shared among them. A company-sponsored fitness area with showers and lockers does well to serve bicyclists as well as other employees. Some companies charge employees for use of fitness areas, but an option to allow free use by bicycle commuters could be an easy incentive to offer. Area health/fitness clubs may be an option, and the commuter could be willing to pickup part of the monthly cost. The City of Portland, Oregon, for example, has an entire network of fitness clubs and employers with shower facilities available to bicyclists who pay a nominal monthly fee. Locations Where Commuters Can Lock Bikes All locking areas should be convenient (close to building entrances) and if possible, out of the weather in well lit areas. Covered parking in garages, or with awnings/covers is a preferable, and some employers have even created state-of-the-art bike rooms with adjoining showers and lockers. Allowing commuters to bring their bikes indoors to their offices or cubicles is another option, although it isn't always workable. Numerous details on the types of racks and their proper locations are available (See Resources, below, but the main idea is to provide racks that accommodate the locking of a bicycle's frame and front tire with a U-shaped lock. The City of Austin's Bicycle and Pedestrian program can coordinate the installation of free racks in many instances. (See Resources, below) Bike Storage Lockers
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service Separated or Striped Bike Lanes Sidewalks Connecting to Transit Stops
and Bike Lanes Repairs to Any Existing Road Hazards
3. Decide on Improvements The best way to plan for improvements is simply to ask the bicyclists. An ETC can arrange a small focus group or meeting to discuss each improvement and gather feedback. Or, if improvements occur on an ongoing basis, different options can be posted on the Web for review. Of course, all improvements are contingent on budgets. Encouraging bike use with additional amenities can be a chicken and egg situation at first. Do you provide bike storage lockers without sufficient people to use them in order to promote bicycle commuting? Or do you wait and reward bicyclists after they've made the commitment? Perhaps a handful of existing riders could let new riders use their lockers and other amenities on a trial basis until the new commuters have committed to participating. At that point, additional purchases would be made. Your transportation survey (See Section 1, Chapter 3) also should provide helpful information on what investments to make by assessing the number of current and potential riders. Finally, numerous grants are available for transportation improvements. Contact the transportation departments at the government agencies in your area to explore funding possibilities that could benefit your work site and those of other area employers.
Make sure to have specific information—such as a bike page on your Web site—with helpful information on where to park, routes and how to report road hazards.
6. Develop Incentives
Additional techniques can not only reward bicyclists, but attract new ones:
City of Austin Bicycle and Pedestrian
Program Texas Bicycle Coalition Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
(Capital Metro)
Dave Sullivan is a multi-modal kind of guy. An employee of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin, he commutes roughly 13 miles each way to work. Choosing how to get to work might be his hardest decision of the day, since he has so many options. Usually, he rides his bike a mile to a pickup point for a Capital Metro vanpool, but sometimes he catches a bus. Both are equipped with racks, so he throws his bike on and rides in comfort on the lengthy distance into work. Occasionally, Sullivan rides the entire way on his bike, particularly on trips home when his schedule for the end of the work day might not be compatible with that of the van or the bus, or he simply wants the exercise. Sullivan said the commute choices he has allow him and and his wife, Mary, to maintain a single-car family, which saves them thousands of dollars on gas, insurance, repairs and car payments. Of course, he does need the car occasionally, so he keeps in contact with his wife by cell phone in case a car trip is necessary. Sullivan, also a City of Austin planning
commissioner, said bicycling is more than just an enjoyable and
cost effective way to get to work. "It serves a purpose for
me as a planning commissioner," he says. "Because I'm
outside on the streets more, I experience things and get a feel
for the neighborhoods. You see more...I see the litter or graffiti,
or the positive things happening, and I can stop and talk to people
without impeding traffic." |
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