TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: Trip Reduction Programs
Monetary Rewards and Supplies for Active Transportation
VMT Reduction Potential: 1
Cost: 2
ROI: 2
StanCOG Relevancy: 3
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute
Scale: Regional, Community
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Educational Institutions, Employers, Property Managers
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies, Transit Agencies
References: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), StanCOG Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety and Education Campaign Final Report, California Active Transportation Program, California E-Bike Incentive Project

Description

This measure provides financial incentives, equipment, and supportive resources that reduce barriers to active transportation. Examples include bicycle distribution programs, helmets, lights, locks, safety equipment, and other supplies that encourage walking and bicycling. These programs are most effective when paired with education, outreach, and encouragement campaigns.

Implementation Details

  • Partner with nonprofits, school districts, and youth programs to identify eligible recipients in priority equity zones.
  • Procure bicycles and accessories (e.g., locks, helmets, lights) through joint purchasing or sponsorships with bike shops and safety coalitions.
  • Include a registration system to collect data on distribution, user demographics, and travel habits, and provide follow-up support or maintenance workshops.
  • Evaluate the program’s impact on youth mobility and travel behavior using pre/post surveys and school travel tallies.
  • Coordinate give-aways with employer TDM campaigns to maximize effectiveness of employer programs.
  • Provide give-aways as part of larger regional campaigns such as bike to work day and clean air day.

Mitigation Potential

Providing bicycles and active transportation equipment can reduce financial barriers to bicycling and encourage mode shift among residents who may not otherwise have access to these resources. While standardized VMT quantification methods are limited, agencies can evaluate effectiveness using participant surveys, travel behavior data, and follow-up program monitoring.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Prioritize funding for low-income households and communities with low vehicle ownership rates. Ensure incentives support access to affordable and reliable multimodal options such as transit, biking, and walking. Monitor equity outcomes using disaggregated data on program usage by income and geography.

Funding Sources

Funding can include Active Transportation Program grants for eligible education and encouragement activities, Clean Mobility Options funding, local transportation and public-health funds, employer contributions, nonprofit partnerships, and sponsorships from bicycle shops or other businesses. Programs can also be incorporated into broader regional TDM campaigns supported through StanCOG CMAQ programming. StanCOG has already used regional funding to support TDM and active transportation activities, providing an opportunity to integrate incentives and equipment distribution into larger programs.

Examples/Case Studies

California E-Bike Incentive Program

The project, launched by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), offers up to $2,000 in voucher incentives for the purchase of new e-bikes. This program prioritizes low-income Californians and those living in disadvantaged and low-income communities.

CalHR Bicycle Commute Program

This program is designed to encourage state employees to commute by bicycle as a means of active transportation between their residences and workplaces. The program aims to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion.