Why invest in micromobility projects?
Micromobility transportation, including walking, biking, and scooters, is essential for creating sustainable and vibrant communities
Key Benefits
Did You Know?
Nearly every journey incorporates some form of active transportation, such as walking to a bus stop or cycling to work. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicates that in 2021, over half (52%) of all trips in the U.S. were under three miles, which is manageable within a twenty-minute bike ride, while 28% of trips were less than one mile.
Owning and operating a bicycle is considerably cheaper than owning and operating a car, freeing up resources for other essential needs for individuals and families. Owning and operating a bicycle typically costs around $3.00 per 100km (62 miles) traveled, while a private car can be six times more expensive, at approximately $18.00 per 100km. This includes factors like purchase price, maintenance, fuel, and insurance (ITDP, 2021).
Communities with well-connected active transportation networks experience increased foot traffic, which translates to economic benefits for local businesses (Smart Growth America, 2015).
What elements should you be considering?
The development of a comprehensive micromobility transportation network for bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices involves various infrastructure elements and supportive programs.
Resources
California E-Bike Incentive Project
The California E-Bike Incentive Project provides up to $2,000 of point-of-sale incentives to support the purchase of a new electric bicycle (e-bike). The California E-Bike Incentive Project is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.
Climate Budgeting
Whether your city is a member of C40 or not, climate budgeting can help to achieve the goals and targets of your climate action plan. We’ve already released a series of Knowledge Hub articles explaining what climate budgeting is, the benefits it brings, and how to implement it. You can find them all on our climate budgeting page.
Transportation Electrification
The transportation sector is a leading source for greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. To address this, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) authorized over $10B in funding to reduce those emissions, including $7.5B in the BIL towards the establishment of a national charging network and $3B from the IRA to further support development of the charging network and procurement of low and no emissions vehicles. The IRA also expands tax credits and financing programs that support transportation electrification projects.