Think Outside The Car! Surveying Commuter Choices Zachary Kenitzer MUP, Urban Planning, University of Louisville Graduate Research Assistant at Ohio State University Justin Mog Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives University of Louisville

Commuting produces 10% of UofL Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Current state of affairs Transitioning Commuter Campus U of L now has more say in matters of the community than at any other time Recent successes include – Development of athletics facilities – Campus growth through 200+ acres of brownfield redevelopment – Expansion of housing opportunities – Greater research opportunities – Bike Master Plans for UofL and the city

Current state of affairs However, the way the campus treats commuters hasn’t changed… Instead of reducing the number of campus “interior” parking spots, U of L has actually increased the number of spots To evaluate future needs the university developed a survey that was sent out to over 9600 faculty, staff and students. Asked about current commuting habits and willingness to consider alternatives.

Who took the March 2010 survey? A random sample of UofL students, faculty & staff Student Responses 524 (25.8%), Margin of Error 5% Faculty/Staff Responses 1,508 (74.2%), Margin of Error 1%

UofL Transportation Survey Results What method do you most frequently use to get to and from campus?

How long is your commute? How long does it take you to get to campus?

“I already Live Close to Campus” What method do you most frequently use to get to and from campus? 39% of these Students & 41% of these Faculty/Staff currently have a UofL parking permit

Where Permit Holders Commute From

Weaknesses Belknap Campus Commuters Miles from Campus Outside 3 Drive Car Alone25%49%66%76%62%78%84% Dropped Off Car1%6%0% 13%2% Carpool3%0%10%5%4%5%7% Bus6% 8%15%11%12%4% Bike6%20%12%5%11%3%1% Walk59%18%4%0% 2% Belknap Campus Commuters Miles from Campus Outside 3 Drive Car Alone25%49%66%76%62%78%84% Dropped Off Car1%6%0% 13%2% Carpool3%0%10%5%4%5%7% Bus6% 8%15%11%12%4% Bike6%20%12%5%11%3%1% Walk59%18%4%0% 2%

Would you forgo a parking permit for a free bike? A free bicycle and helmet provided to anyone at UofL willing to forgo obtaining a campus parking permit for at least two years. Non-permit holders Permit holders (55% of students & 79% of faculty/staff)

What would get you on a bike? What would make you more likely to bicycle to campus more often?

Do Bike Lanes Matter? If a dedicated bike lane was provided from my neighborhood to campus, I would be more likely to bike to campus. Respondent’s current commute time Agree Disagree

What would make you want to use the free bus service more?

Which do you think would be best for the University to provide? Students Faculty/Staff

Climate Action Plan Transportation 1.Enhance walkability & bikeability 2.Free bike to students & employees willing to forgo a parking permit 3.UofL-specific electronic ride board & carpool/vanpool matching 4.Incentives to carpools (preferred parking, reduced parking fees, shared permits, etc) 5.More campus area student housing and incentives for faculty/staff to move closer 6.Purchase fuel efficient models as university fleet vehicles are replaced. 7.No idling on campus policy 8.Car-share program w/efficient vehicles 9.Work with government to provide new intra- and inter-city mass transit systems 10. Establish carbon off-set policy for air travel 11. More videoconferencing & telecommuting UofL President Ramsey Bike To Work Day