University campuses like the University of Oregon are trailblazing the way to reduce driving, according to a recently released report by OSPIRG Education Fund.
Students and faculty gathered together Thurs. Feb. 13 at the Outdoor Program Barn to show support and awareness to the released report entitled “A New Course: How Innovative University Programs Are Reducing Driving on Campus and Creating New Models for Transportation Policy.”
The report is the sixth in the series of studies that are examining the national shift away from driving. This is the first study that has examined how university campuses play a role in curbing the amount of car use.
“Across America, colleges and universities are showing that efforts to meet increased demand for transportation options deliver powerful benefits for their community and surrounding areas,” Kiana Doyle, an OSPIRG representative, said.
The study provides recommendations on how cities can learn from the practices of campus universities in hopes to decrease driving.
“Universities have a lot in common with cities,” Doyle said. “They must get the most value out of limited land, they are acutely aware of problems associated with being overrun by cars.”
Cited in the study is data from the Federal Highway Administration which states that between 2001 to 2009, Americans between 16 to 34-years-old decreased their annual driving miles by 23 percent.
The study also assessed how forms of communications like social media help to promote initiatives of alternative methods of transportation.
UO has a number of sustainable travel initiatives including the Outdoor Program Barn, home to the UO’s bike share program and a space where students and staff can work on their bicycles. In addition, the UO is nationally recognized as a bike friendly university.
“Although we didn’t have a role in the report, the enthusiasm and all the energy behind that report is really felt on campus at U of O,” UO Bike Program coordinate Briana Orr said.
The study showcased a vast menu of universities that like the UO provide similar services to alternative modes of transportations like biking and bike-share, transit buses, ride-sharing.
“Anything that helps brings those types of examples to the larger public is a great way to push some competitive spirit across campuses to be the most sustainable and learn from one another,”Professor of Planning, Public Policy and Management Marc Schlossberg, said.
Prior reports in the series have indicated that Millennials are getting lower amounts of driver licenses than past generations past. Young people also will rather also spend more money on rent for locations with accessible transportation.
“I don’t drive and walk for irrational reasons. I do it when it’s the most convenient and direct way of getting around,” Schlossberg said.