Project Clearinghouse

Cargo Ebikes for Parenting Students at FSH: Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Covid and Beyond

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

Transportation of children to the local schools from Family Student Housing has traditionally been a difficult to synchronize dance of carpools, shuttle busses and available chaperones. The coordination is further complicated by needs for car seats, changing class schedules, and the fact that many families can only afford one vehicle. By providing cargo e-bikes to FSH families in need we hope to provide a sustainable and cost effective transportation solution that improves their quality of life.

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
Campus Organization: 
Carbon Fund
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
FSH, STARS, TAPS
Project Location: 
On campus

Family Student Housing


Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressDepartment
Heather Willoughby
hwilloug@ucsc.edu
STARS
Kristen Weaver
keweaver@ucsc.edu
FSH
Jannet Ceja
jrceja@ucsc.edu
STARS
Funding Sources: 
Carbon Fund, STARS

Project Description: 

The objective of this project is to create a healthy and environmentally friendly solution to transportation issues experienced by parenting students at Family Student Housing. This project will provide 6 fully outfitted cargo e-bikes (blix) that can hold up to three children. The bicycle loan will be on a yearly basis and available to undergraduate and graduate students. Policy will mimic what is already established for bikes loaned out to students through the Bike Lending Library run by TAPS. Purchasing and distribution are set to commence May 2021.

Metrics for Success: 

1. All the bikes are distributed in the FSH community.
2. The bikes are utilized for more than just trips to the local schools and become a feasible mode of transportation for families and shopping trips.
3. Demand creates a pathway for expansion for off campus parents, staff and faculty.

Next Steps: 
Purchasing & Policy -Identify and order cargo e-bikes and security gear -Update policy/waiver form Shipping and Distribution -Collect and assemble cargo E-bikes -Identify student recipients and distribute bikes -Check in with students that they have completed Ecology Action's bike safety course and have obtained helmets and bike lights
Result Categories: 
Behavior Change
Policy
Education/Outreach
Data Collection & Analysis
Results: 

Year 1: all policy navigated, bikes and materials purchased, and distributed.
Year 2: evaluate usage and if the bikes should be retained by FSH or if there is administrative bandwidth and storage availability for the bikes to be absorbed by the bike lending library to be made available to off campus parenting students as well.