Reduce GHG Emissions: Promote Alternative Transportation through Better Parking and Safety for Cyclists and Motorcyclists

Project Advisor: Asbjorn Osland

Student Project Members:

  • Morgan Chivers
  • Kimberley De Hart
  • Ryan Donovan
  • Sean Omveg

Bicycles

Enhanced Parking for Bicycles:

  1. An easy solution to protect bicycles from the weather would be to install roofs over the existing bike enclosures. A simple home carport roof that measures 10' wide x 20' long x 8' high costs $1,549.98.3
  2. The San Carlos Plaza parking area is the only one that provides shelter.
  3. It would only cost the school about $12,500 to protect the students' bicycles from the elements by covering the other four shelters.
  4. The ground floor of the garages could accommodate 10-12 bikes/parking stall.4
  5. Bike lockers range from around $1000-$4000 each and can hold up to two bikes each.

Safety:

To promote cycling, safety has to be emphasized both in terms of personal responsibility of cyclists and motorists and also improved infrastructure provided by the city and county. Having two vehicles on the same road going vastly different speeds is inherently dangerous from a design standpoint. It's not enough to paint paths on roads; dedicated bicycle paths are essential.

Bicycle Co-op:

One way to stimulate bicycle use at SJSU would be supporting the budding student co-op. There are several possibilities for what role a bike co-op could play such as a:

  1. shop (similar to the UC Davis' Bike Barn), offering bike and accessories, rentals, & repairs
  2. student-run repair facility, offering work-space, tool checkout, and advice
  3. student club, strengthening the cycling community and advocating for cyclists.

Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Issues

  1. SJSU could encourage riding by reducing the parking fee to $15/semester.
  2. Rider training is essential since 62% of the registered motorcycle riders in the US have not attended and novices are twice as likely to crash. Demand for training exceeds the supply.
  3. Unlicensed riders are 2 to 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
  4. Conspicuity is essential through the use of daytime lamps and fluorescent jackets/strips.
  5. Constructing and maintaining roadways with the motorcyclists in mind, includes smooth edge transitions with asphalt and proper warnings of drop-offs, shoulder and hazardous areas.
  6. Public education and awareness should include: teaching motorcycle awareness in traffic mixes, promoting joint use on roadways and safety training for motorcyclists.

The deadliest injuries to a motorcyclist are injuries to the head and chest. Use of a DOT-approved helmet is the most critical factor. Other safety considerations include proper eyewear essential; heavy duty boots, shown to protect ankles and overall foot; and long-sleeved clothing, pants, leather and chaps to protect the skin.