On Earth Day, April 22, 2022, NABSA hosted a public webinar exploring shared micromobility’s role as a climate action tool and the strategies being utilized to further lower shared micromobility’s climate impacts. Topics of discussion include leveraging data, incorporating shared micromobility into transportation networks, operational optimization, and more. The panel was moderated by Laura Mallonee, NABSA’s events and membership manager, and discussants included:

• Deron Lovaas, Senior Policy Advisor, Natural Resources Defense Council
• Matej Mečár & Robert Pennings, City of Vancouver
• Morgan Ramaker, Executive Director, BCycle
• Regina Clewlow, CEO & Co-Founder, Populus

Here are some of our key takeaways from the discussion:

Transportation accounts for 27% of emissions in the US, with surface transportation being the most significant contributor to total transportation emissions. NRDC shared several important statistics like these that set the stage for the importance of leveraging micromobility, walking, and transit to create more environmentally sustainable transportation networks. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides new funding programs to help lower transportation emissions, such as the Carbon Reduction Program (that includes micromobility as eligible!).

Shared micromobility data can influence policy and planning that help cities implement projects to lower transportation emissions. For example, Populus shared information about a carbon emissions analytics platform they’re developing for cities to measure the impacts of mode shift. Additionally, shared micromobility data can help show usage patterns that identify where safe street infrastructure is needed.

Alongside encouraging ridership, shared micromobility operators are innovating internal practices to lower the carbon footprint of operations. For example, BCycle shared how they participate in an e-bike battery recycling program and use alternate vehicle options for in-field maintenance.

Incorporate shared micromobility into city climate action plans, and then support it with infrastructure development, including electrifying the curb for shared micromobility. The City of Vancouver discussed how they invest in shared micromobility as a strategy for achieving goals set in their Climate Emergency Action Plan. Within Vancouver’s Curbside Electrical Program, they are laying the groundwork for electric bikeshare expansion so that future shared micromobility stations can connect to the city’s electrical grid, allowing vehicles to charge while docked.

Safe street infrastructure is a “must-have,” not a “nice to have.” All discussants acknowledged the importance of safe street infrastructure and street design that supports all modes of transportation to increase access to shared micromobility and public transit.

Thank you to our panelists for a great discussion and for sharing their insights! Watch the full webinar recording below, and read more about the climate impacts and sustainability in shared micromobility in NABSA’s recent blog post.

NABSA hosts members-only and public virtual events like this roundtable discussion throughout the year. Find info about our upcoming and past events at nabsa.net/webinars.