Project Clearinghouse

Cal Teach E-Bike

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

The overall purpose of the Cal Teach E-Bike project is to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation of Cal Teach undergraduate STEM majors traveling to and from middle and high school classrooms throughout Santa Cruz County. The use of personal vehicles increases carbon emissions, road congestion, student expenses, and has a negative impact on the local and global environment. The Cal Teach E-Bike project will reduce barriers to transportation while mitigating climate change.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Energy & Climate
Awareness, Education & Engagement
Social Justice
Transportation
Project Status: 
In Progress
Project End Date: 
12/01/2024
Campus Organization: 
Carbon Fund
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
Cal Teach
Project Location: 
Both on and off campus

Commute between Cal Teach office to Santa Cruz county schools


Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Emily Maddox
emaddox@ucsc.edu
459-1929
Cal Teach
CP Pierce
cppierce@ucsc.edu
459-2226
Cal Teach
Funding Sources: 
Carbon Fund Micro
Cal Teach (PBSci)

Project Description: 

The Cal Teach E-Bike project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative form of transportation for Cal Teach interns to commute to their internship placements in Santa Cruz County. We will research and purchase an e-bike and necessary accessories from a local retailer that will be reliable and suitable. We will organize training of e-bike usage, local bike routes, and emergency protocols. In addition, we will develop a maintenance schedule. By the end of Fall Quarter 2022, the e-bike will be safely and consistently utilized for local transportation (to and from school placements and Cal Teach program errands).

Metrics for Success: 

We will measure how many miles are traveled on the E-Bike to calculate greenhouse gas reduction.

Next Steps: 
Research & Purchase E-Bike and necessary accessories (helmets, high visibility vests, secure bike lock, etc.). Coordinate secure storage of E-Bike in Cal Teach office space. Organize training of E-Bike usage and of local bike routes and emergency protocols. Schedule E-Bike usage based on student internship and school schedules to maximize usage. Students and Staff successfully, safely and consistently utilize E-Bike.
Result Categories: 
Behavior Change
Education/Outreach
Results: 

Our project will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, provide an opportunity for students to learn about biking, and allow Cal Teach students to serve as role models for other UCSC and Santa Cruz school students and the community. Students will benefit financially by saving money on gas, insurance, maintenance and parking. There will be a significant time savings for students who would otherwise commute by bus, thus creating equal access to students across socio-economic backgrounds. Equally important will be the mental and physical benefits for students who ride the E-Bike.