Mobility
Road transportation represents the largest percentage of Palo Alto’s existing carbon footprint. Replacing a portion of vehicle trips with active transportation modes, such as walking, biking, and transit, is critical to reducing emissions in the transportation sector. Palo Alto has a strong biking community and multiple transit options, making it easy for residents to choose low- or zero-carbon transportation options.
In fact, Palo Alto has been at the forefront of reducing emissions from transportation since the early 1980's when Palo Alto developed the nation's first bicycle boulevard on Bryant Street. Palo Alto can build upon this history to further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while supporting a safe, vibrant bicycling and walking culture.
Mobility and the S/CAP
The Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) guides the City of Palo Alto's sustainability and emissions reduction strategy. Mobility is one of the three areas of the S/CAP with the largest potential for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, along with Energy and Electric Vehicles. Both mobility and Electric Vehicles tackle transportation emissions, the City's largest source of emissions. The Mobility S/CAP goals and actions aim to reduce trips taken by car, measured in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and increase active transportation (walking, biking, and transit). VMT reduction can be influenced by local programs and policies, including roadway engineering, land use, and zoning, since these elements affect travel mode choice.
Goals
- Reduce vehicle miles traveled 12% by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline, by reducing commute vehicle miles traveled 20%, visitor vehicle miles traveled 10%, and resident vehicle miles traveled 6%
- Increase the mode share for active transportation (e.g. walking, biking) and transit from 19% to 40% of local work trips by 2030
Take Action!
Explore these resources to help you walk, bike, and use transit in Palo Alto.