Back to Solutions Center

Micro-mobility Programs

Category: Behavior Changes, Campus Design

Micro-mobility programs provide free or nominally priced rental options for traditional bicycles, electric bicycles or electric scooters. Micro-mobility programs provide carbon-free alternatives for short distance trips in order to reduce the number of miles traveled by car. Bike-share programs are often coupled with bike maintenance programs to remove barriers to personal bike use. Rental periods range from hourly, daily, weekly or per semester. Campuses can directly manage their own programs or hire external partners. Some systems use centrally located bike docking stations, while others work with smart-phone enabled dockless systems.

Benefits

  • Removes pressure to increase parking and traffic capacity 
  • Encourages exercise and well-being
  • Visible commitment to campus sustainability

Challenges

  • No return on investment if offered for free to campus population
  • Bikes require routine maintenance and can be targets for vandalism
  • Unfavorable geography and climate can decrease program popularity
  • Helmet use is difficult to facilitate under many models

Impacts

  • GHG Impact

    Miniscule

    This is a solid but small strategy to reduce commuting related emissions.

  • Economic Impact

    Neutral

  • Feasibility

    Doable

    Each campus will have their own unforeseen barriers, but there are many successful models in action.

  • Timeline

    1-2 years

    Most campuses run a small pilot before rolling out a full program. For-profit companies can deploy quickly once an agreement is reached.

  • Maintenance

    Moderate

    Requires staff or a third-party to oversee the program and to facilitate maintenance of stations, bikes, and/or scooters.

  • Publicity

    That's interesting

    Campus visitors, students, faculty and staff appreciate a free or low-cost bike share program. 

Don’t stop here!

Explore our full collection of Climate Action Solutions:

See all Climate Solutions