TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: Neighborhood Design
Subsidized Bicycle Amenities
VMT Reduction Potential: 1
Cost: 1
ROI: 1
StanCOG Relevancy: 3
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional
Timing: Mid-term (3-10 years)
Implementors-Private: Employers, Property Managers
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies
References: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), FHWA Bicycle Parking Planning Guide, StanCOG Active Transportation Planning, City of Modesto Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide

Description

This strategy includes establishing a fund to subsidize the installation of bike parking, racks, and repair stations at civic centers, parks, businesses, campuses, and transit hubs. It requires the funding agency to work directly with businesses, municipalities, and educational institutions to coordinate the installation of bicycle amenities.

Implementation Details

  • Establish a regional fund to support bicycle amenities such as secure bike racks, bike corrals, and repair stations at civic centers, parks, and transit hubs.
  • Prioritize grant allocations for areas with low existing infrastructure but high potential for active transportation uptake, including school zones and town centers.
  • Coordinate with employers, property managers, schools, colleges, and local businesses to identify locations where bicycle amenities would have the greatest benefit.
  • Leverage co-funding opportunities with community nonprofits, health organizations, and education districts.
  • Encourage voluntary developer participation through partnerships, incentives, or other locally adopted funding mechanisms.

Mitigation Potential

Individual bicycle amenities will have a limited impact on VMT, but continued investment and installation can create a convenient and safe bicycle network.

For more details, see  CAPCOA, T-10. Provide End-of-Trip Bicycle Facilities pg. 100-103 and CAPCOA, T-19-A. Construct or Improve Bike Facility pg. 137-141 for VMT reduction quantification.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Ensure fund allocation prioritizes DACs, communities with low vehicle ownership, and areas near affordable housing and schools. Offer matching grants or technical assistance to small cities and unincorporated communities with limited planning capacity. Design amenities to be ADA-accessible and include secure options for families and shift workers.

Funding Sources

This strategy primarily requires staff time to establish and administer a program, with relatively modest funding needed for individual bicycle amenities. Potential funding sources include Statewide Active Transportation Program grants, Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning grants, Transportation Alternatives funding, local active transportation programs, and VMT mitigation funds where eligible. Local jurisdictions and regional agencies can also provide matching funds or incentives to encourage employers, property owners, schools, and developers to install bicycle amenities.

Examples/Case Studies

City of Modesto – Transportation Engineering and Bicycle Facilities

Modesto’s Transportation Engineering and Design Division specifically identifies bicycle racks and bicycle facilities among its transportation responsibilities. The City also emphasizes providing safe, comfortable, and convenient access to community destinations for people regardless of age, ability, or income.

StanRTA – Transit Center Bicycle Connections

StanRTA’s transit system includes two transit centers and three transit hubs, creating several locations where bicycle amenities can support bicycle-to-transit trips. The Ceres multimodal hub project specifically includes space for first- and last-mile modes such as bicycles and scooters and the opportunity to include bicycle lockers in its planned amenities.