Commuting
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Reduces fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions from site staff commuting, improves staff health, and reduces parking demand at post facilities |
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Two to three months to select bicycles and bicycle racks, one to three months to install bicycle infrastructure and carpool signage, and three to six months to develop and implement education and programs |
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Bicycles and bicycle racks, parking lot signage, and transit passes |
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FAC, GEN, CML |
Commuting by single-occupant vehicle is associated with financial cost, unproductive travel time, and GHG emissions. Supporting and incentivizing alternative commuting methods such as bicycling, carpooling, walking, and public transit can benefit both site and staff. Sites can reduce parking demand, limit the impact on local traffic, increase community engagement, and decrease emissions. Staff benefits include fuel savings, reduced vehicle maintenance, improved health, and increased productivity.
Three hours of biking per week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.7
To encourage alternative commuting modes including mass transit, carpooling, walking, and cycling, posts can provide infrastructure and incentives such as:
- Preferred parking for high occupancy vehicles (HOVs)
- Secure bicycle storage, showers, and changing rooms
- A bike share program that enables post residents and staff to borrow bicycles for short trips for free or for a nominal fee
- Staff residences located near mass transit, where available, and if in compliance with security and housing pool requirements
Incentives and programs could include:
- Partially or fully subsidized transit passes
- Guaranteed ride home program for commuters who carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, or take transit; the program should provide a free and reliable ride home (e.g., taxi) in emergencies or after hours
- Educational programs or materials that encourage staff to use alternative commuting strategies (see Transportation: Staff Engagement)