Appreciating Bikes as Public Transit in the Mobility & Transportation Discussion for AEG Boston
Author: Chloe Friedheim, AEG Fellow, Boston
The majority of American commuters use their single person vehicles as their main mode of transportation to work. This presents a major barrier to reducing the amount of non-electric vehicles as their primary mode of commuter transit. In order to reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, Boston is encouraging commuters to utilize public transit, carpool, bike, or walk. To decrease the amount of cars on the road and benefit the health of the community, a solution is to make public transit, walking, and biking more accessible to commuters.
In 2019, 84.8% of commuters used a car, truck, or vehicle to get to work. A mere 5% of commuters used public transit, 2.6% walked, and 0.5% biked. An Increase in the amount of commuters that use public transit or bike would decrease the amount of cars on the road. The installation of front bike racks on buses is preferable to allow commuters to bring a bike into the bus, which can be infeasible during peak commuting times. Front racks would make public transit more accessible to commuters, increase public transit use, and decrease the number of cars on the road.
Commuters in the suburbs that live close to a metro or bus may have to drive to that station. Being able to bike to the station, and bring the bike on the bus or metro, would eliminate the use of the vehicle. In 1991 in Phoenix, AZ, a six month bike on bus pilot program was a huge success. By the sixth month, 1,404 riders were using the program. After the success of this program, all buses in Phoenix were equipped with the two bike front rack. By 1997, the daily use of the program within Phoenix was 2,146 riders. The program was also very successful among the riders of the program. The option to have public transit available to cyclist commuters is especially beneficial when there is inclement weather or an emergency.
Providing a space on public transit and at bus stops makes using public transit easier for commuters. Accessibility and ease is a traditional barrier in increasing public transit use. Another initiative that counties, such as San Diego, have implemented is the supply of secure bike lockers located near bus stops. Commuters have the option to drop their bike and take public transit the rest of their commute. Bike theft is a major problem for anyone who commutes with a bike, and a secure bike locker virtually eliminates this issue. In addition, if bike lockers are implemented, there are usage fees that can be implemented in order to pay for the lockers.
Boston recently purchased Battery Electric Buses (BEB) to help the city reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Traditional non-electric buses in Boston are equipped with two bike racks. However, this new fleet of buses does not provide bike racks for the front of their busses.
While these electric buses are great in reducing emissions, they are eliminating a portion of commuters that could utilize the buses. Offering the option of bringing a bike on public transit will increase public transit use, and decrease emissions. As Boston considers expanding their fleet of battery electric buses, they should strongly consider installing bike racks on buses to help integrate cyclists into public transit. While there is the capital cost of purchasing and installing he bike racks, as well as plus the costs of any repairs, the “Bikes-to-Bus” programs have shown an increase in ridership, and a reduction in traffic congestion, which can ultimately lead to aid Boston in its mission to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Are you interested in the decarbonization of Mobility & Transportation in Boston? Join us for the AEG Boston 21Q4 Stakeholder Challenge on Mobility & Transportation - December 16th @ Holland & Knight. Click here to register.