Project Clearinghouse

TAPS Transportation Demand Management Ambassador-Bike Programs Baseline Research

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

UCSC TAPS and the campus has sustainability goals to reduce the numbers of Single Occupant Vehicles (SOV) traveling to campus and bike commuting to and on campus is an active way to achieve this goal. This project will help TAPS to better understand all the bike programs and facilities that campus units are utilizing on their own to inventory them for various uses and to possibly replicate them across campus as appropriate to further our campus efforts on bike programming.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Buildings & Facilities
Awareness, Education & Engagement
Transportation
Project Status: 
Proposed
Project End Date: 
06/30/2021
Campus Organization: 
Sustainability Office
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
TAPS
Project Location: 
On campus



Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Teresa Buika
tabuika@ucsc.edu
831-502-7941
TAPS
Jonathan Weidman
jweidman@ucsc.edu
TAPS
Julie Munnerlyn
jmunnerl@ucsc.edu
9-4289
TAPs
Funding Sources: 
Sustainability Office

Project Description: 

TAPS Transportation Demand Management Ambassador will be contacting facility and department managers to conduct research on what bicycling programs exist, how many bicyclists currently use their site, and what affiliates and bicyclists’ needs are to increase their commuter trips with human powered transportation. Some departments are very pro-bike and have produced indoor bike parking, departmental bike programs, bike events, etc. The ambassador will develop best practice models for other departments to use as appropriate. This student will be guided by the TAPS's staff throughout the fellowship. All information gathered will be available to all UCSC departments.
Through this Campus Sustainability Program fellowship, TAPS will achieve:
1. Greater access to understand the needs of existing and potential bicyclists to increase bicycling as a viable commuter choice to UCSC, inc. departmental bike programs.
2. Establishing an inventory of all efforts being made at UCSC to promote bicycling.
3. Creating model bike programs that can be replicated by interested departments.
4. Identifying clear directions and bike projects for future grant pursuits.
5. Developing connections between TAPS and Campus Facilities and Departments to create TDM partnerships promoting alternative commute solutions for all affiliates and
6. Promoting the Abandoned Bike Program to facility managers.
7. Creating support for the upcoming League of American Bicyclists’ determination for Bicycle Friendly University awards.
8.Establishing a baseline for bicycle programs from which to then show progressive strides towards meeting sustainability goals at the various UCSC sites.
9. Promote awareness and utilization of TAPS’ existing bike/e-bike loan program, bike classes, and safety campaigns.

10. Inclusion of additional questions / section about increased telecommuting as a result of COVID and the new telecommuting policy the University is rolling out.

This is a vital opportunity that could reveal so much information to create an effective bicycle program as a vital component in the UCSC TDM program resulting in less solo drivers coming to our campus and encouraging that the programs in place truly accommodate those leaving their cars at home permanently.

Metrics for Success: 

Metrics include getting the inventory complete and a set of good contacts for Facilities managers etc.

Next Steps: 
Hire the student ambassador and start the research efforts.
Result Categories: 
Education/Outreach
Data Collection & Analysis
Results: 

The intention is to compile a full database/inventory of all bike programs and facilities that each campus unit or department may have implemented on their own so we can set a best practices program for other units, have full information for our next Bike Friendly University award process, and coordinate efforts as needed across campus.