Smart Mobility in Higher Ed
Alamo Commutes conducting a bikeability audit at UTSA's downtown campus. Source: Clayton Elkins
by Lily Lowder
October 26, 2020
Colleges and universities are uniquely poised to address sustainability challenges. From curriculum and research to campus operations and student engagement, higher education institutions are exploring different ways to introduce sustainability initiatives, including promoting smart transportation modes.
At our October Walk & Bike Night, the Alamo Colleges District, University of the Incarnate Word, and the University of Texas at San Antonio shared how they support smart transportation on their campuses.
Sustainability Goals
Alamo Colleges District
Alamo Colleges is the largest provider of higher education in Texas, serving more than 97,000 students at 5 main campuses with multiple satellite locations.
Their sustainability initiatives are oriented around four focus areas:
- Sustainable Students
- Sustainable Campus
- Sustainable Neighborhood
- Sustainable Community
"Our sustainability goals range from green buildings to water conservation to indoor air quality to our carbon footprint. We think about all of these things when we consider active transportation." - Meredith Miller, Director EcoCentro
University of the Incarnate Word
As a faith-based institution, the University of Incarnate Word's approach to sustainability is rooted in their belief about their stewardship for the Earth. This philosophy has prompted the conservation of some of the city's most pristine natural areas Headwater's Natural Reserve and Spirit Reach.
University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) believes in supporting sustainability through action, initiatives, and narratives. Their sustainability plan is based around a few key strategies: supporting the Green Fund, providing grants, and partnering on projects.
UTSA has also received funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to support air quality improvement projects and programs. These include student events, infrastructure improvements, and environmental modeling.
Sustainable Transportation
Alamo Colleges District
Alamo Colleges takes a comprehensive approach to environmentally conscious transportation initiatives. In addition to greening their fleet, instituting anti-idling policies, and installing electric vehicle charging stations, Alamo Colleges also supports students and faculty's transportaiton alternatives.
Alamo Colleges provides every student, faculty and staff a free bus pass. San Antonio College and EcoCentro also have access to San Antonio bike share, with pilot bike share programs at multiple campuses. VIA also provides vanpool arrangements for all faculty and staff.
"Every student that registers, whether it’s one class or a full class load, with any college in the system, receives a free bus pass. We strongly encourage alternative forms of transportation." - Meredith Miller
University of the Incarnate Word
Plagued by parking concerns, the University of Incarnate Word (UIW) emphasizes smart transportation for students and staff. Walking and jogging paths surrounding the campus encourage pedestrians to engage with nature. The famous UIW Sky Bridge over US-281 provides pedestrian safe access to the UIW Professional School, Trinity University, and more. UIW also encourages students to bike and skateboard on their extensive sidewalks.
In 2019, UIW introduced a two-year pilot program for the UPass, providing free transit service for students.
University of Texas at San Antonio
UTSA believes in supporting sustainability through action, initiatives, and narratives. Their sustainability plan is based around a few key strategies: supporting the Green Fund, providing grants, and partnering on projects.
UTSA has also received funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to support air quality improvement projects and programs. These include student events, infrastructure improvements, and crash modeling.
One of UTSA's key successes was the establishment of the Tito Bradshaw Bike Shop in September 2019. In a converted visitor's booth, students can access tools to repair their bikes. The shop also hosts regular bicycle education events including guided bicycle tours. In the future, the Office of Sustainability plans to expand to downtown campus.
"We want our students to feel like they have a campus that includes bikers." - Lani May, Director of Sustainability
Additionally, UTSA is reimagining its streets to better serve pedestrians and cyclists. For example, staff is currently evaluating the feasibility of closing Brenan Road to vehicle traffic. A faculty-run Scooter Lab will test e-scooters on campus. UTSA is also an Alamo Commutes Champion, participating in walkability and bikeability audits at both main and downtown campus. A champion of transit, VIA operates their own Runner shuttles and provides free bus passes through the VIA U-Pass program.
Thank you to Meredith Miller, Heather Barton-Weston, and Lani May for sharing their experience! To watch the full discussion, visit our Facebook page.