Steering the road to sustainability
Camosun's transportation and parking initiatives
April 15, 2011
A shortage of parking space
Shortage of parking space is generally considered a fact of life for growing communities. As college attendance grew by nearly 20% over the past five years, Camosun was faced with a choice: find millions of dollars to pave over the problem, or lead community conversations about more sustainable options.
In 2009, Camosun adopted a College Transportation and Parking Management (TPM) plan (pdf), the primary driver of which is to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles coming to campus by encouraging alternative modes of transportation.
"One of the first steps in adopting a sustainable plan was a shift in perspective – land used for parking is more than just spare space, it's a very valuable resource," says Kathryn Le Gros, Director of Camosun's Ancillary Services.
It's about personal choice
Growing traffic congestion, increasing environmental concerns, more focus on active lifestyle, rising gas prices – it is not a new story.
Many of us grew up dreaming or saving for our own car. It was a rite of passage, and "alternative modes of transportation" were left to fitness buffs or people who could not afford a car. Times have changed. In Camosun's 2008 Transportation and Parking Survey (pdf), just under two-thirds (63%) stated their primary travel mode was car.
"What was most encouraging was the percentage of people willing to consider using alternative modes of transport," says Le Gros. "If given suitable incentives and support, 70% of respondents were willing to try public transit, 52% ridesharing, 39% cycling, 26% telework, and 19% walking."
Admittedly, transportation choice is moderated by practical issues such as distance from home, the need to also transport children or carry groceries. Harder to pinpoint is the lifestyle barrier.
"It's a cultural thing. People get used to doing things one way. Part of our job is to help people see benefits beyond just the environmental," says Shannon Craig, past Transportation and Parking Planner co-op student, and now part of Camosun's transportation and parking staff.
"As a culture, we suggest people avoid using their cars because it's better for generations yet to come. To my mind, there are more compelling reasons to consider cycling: personal ones – health, wealth and pure pleasure," says Annette Hansen, Camosun Library Assistant.
Every journey starts with a single step
"We expect to see change a little at a time," says Craig. Other like-minded post secondary institutions across Canada are working on the same formula.
Ian Tol, Acting Director of Physical Resources, during Bike to Work Week
Through Camosun’s TPM plan, space-efficient transportation modes such as walking, biking, ridesharing and public transit have also been promoted through education, courses, workshops and contests. Camosun has also negotiated with BC Transit, local cycling groups, municipalities, the CRD and other external stakeholders. Camosun people can get involved by joining the Bike to Camosun Network or the Transit & Carpool working group.
The transportation initiatives are working. More participants are involved in Camosun’s Bike to Work Week, some find walking to work makes them happier during the day, and others enjoy their new reading time on the bus. Data was gathered with last October’sCamosun College Modal Split: How does the College Community get to Campus report (pdf), and a comparison is due in two years.
"It's not about getting everyone out of their cars. It's about suggesting people try biking or taking the bus once a week," says Craig. "People not only see savings in money, but they feel better."
More about parking and transportation at Camosun...
Comments: 2. Page 1 of 1.
student says:
17-Apr-2011 5:54pm
I would cycle, however there isn't a safe route from my location (Quadra north of Mackenzie) to get to camosun.
Admin: There are a couple of options for you to consider for your trip to Camosun. It depends on which campus you are attending. One option is to take the bus with your bicycle along the parts of your route where you don’t feel safe cycling.
If you are heading to Lansdowne, one option is to walk your bike to Mckenzie and put your bicycle on the #26 bus; once you get to UVIC get off the bus and take a nice cycle ride down to the campus.
If you are heading to Interurban, catch the #6 bus on Quadra with your bike; get off the bus around Elk Lake Road and cycle down West Saanich to the back to Camosun via Markham Road.
If you need help with route planning please contact us at cam-motion@camosun.bc.ca or if you are interested in a bicycle safety course please see http://www.biketowork.ca/victoria/workshops
student says:
17-Apr-2011 5:54pm
I would cycle, however there isn't a safe route from my location (Quadra north of Mackenzie) to get to camosun.
Admin: There are a couple of options for you to consider for your trip to Camosun. It depends on which campus you are attending. One option is to take the bus with your bicycle along the parts of your route where you don’t feel safe cycling.
If you are heading to Lansdowne, one option is to walk your bike to Mckenzie and put your bicycle on the #26 bus; once you get to UVIC get off the bus and take a nice cycle ride down to the campus.
If you are heading to Interurban, catch the #6 bus on Quadra with your bike; get off the bus around Elk Lake Road and cycle down West Saanich to the back to Camosun via Markham Road.
If you need help with route planning please contact us at cam-motion@camosun.bc.ca or if you are interested in a bicycle safety course please see http://www.biketowork.ca/victoria/workshops
Mandy says:
19-Apr-2011 8:23pm
Is there any secure place to lock up bikes at Landsdowne? I have been attending that campus on and off since 2007, I just bought a bike and will begin to cycle part way (I live out past the airport) starting in the spring. Thx.
Admin: Congrats on the new bike! Camosun's Lansdowne campus has many bike racks near each building. I recommend the covered bike parking in front of the Ewing building - it will keep your bicycle dry and is in an open common place. Make sure you have a proper lock for your bicycle (any good cycling store will be able to help pick out the appropriate type). Lansdowne does not have a bike locker like the Interurban campus, but this is something we hope to have in the future. A couple tips for bike security from the Bike Sense manual: check with your bike store or local police station to see if they keep records of serial numbers, or provide engraving services to ID your bike; check with an insurance agent about protecting your bike - it's an investment you'll want to hang on to.