Some institutions are taking the bicycling concept in
new and exciting directions. For example, the Transportation Services Department at the University of New Hampshire in Durham has its “Cat Cycles” program, which allows stu- dents to borrow bicycles for free on a weekly basis.
Alleviating parking issues Many universities are alleviating their parking issues by
encouraging the use of mass transit. This is accomplished by offering students free or reduced-price transportation passes. Similarly, they are developing their own shuttle bus sys-
tems, which connect high-volume destinations on or near a campus with student housing, remote parking lots and neighborhood areas. Shuttle buses are particularly useful in making the overall parking experience more pleasant, because they significantly reduce the amount of time spent searching for available spaces, as a driver knows ahead of time which parking lots to utilize. Vanpooling and carpooling are also proving to be effective. Another option is to reduce demand for parking spaces
that already exist. At many universities, it’s not uncommon for freshmen and sophomores not to be issued parking per- mits, restricting permits to upperclassmen only. Some urban colleges have taken this a step further. Columbia University in New York City, for example, doesn’t allow any students to park on campus. Only faculty and support staff members are issued parking permits.
Why more parking spaces don’t work Implementing a parking and transportation plan is more
effective than the solution many students, faculty and sup- port staff often clamor for: the creation of more parking spaces. For starters, many universities simply lack the space to add parking facilities. In addition, many in the campus community believe that parking lots can negatively impact how aesthetically pleasing a campus is. Another inhibitor is cost. One space in a conventional
parking lot costs about $2,000 to build. When it’s a parking garage, the cost is even more: anywhere from $13,000 to $15,000 per space. Finally, development of additional parking within a
campus typically means an increase in traffic, something that existing roadways may not be able to accommodate. This is where a traffic analysis may be appropriate.
A myriad of benefits Parking remains a frustrating endeavor for students,
faculty and support staff at most U.S. colleges and universi- ty. Many face a shortage of parking spaces or facilities at inconvenient distances from their destinations. The result is that many end up parking illegally or are issued citations. An effective parking and transportation management
plan will not only bring viable solutions to a university’s parking dilemma, but also help create a safer, more livable campus. Reductions in vehicles circling in lots hunting for parking will mean less negative implications on air quality. This will lead to an improvement in the quality of life for all on campus, as well as the improvement of an institution’s image as being greener and more Earth-friendly.
David W. Burr, Senior Parking Planner with Rich & Associates, can be reached at
dburr@richassoc.com.
PT Parking Today
www.parkingtoday.com 33
A Functional Masterpiece
DKS Barrier Gate Operators are designed to work 24/7
Please see our website for complete details
www.doorking.com/ParkingControl
1-800-673-3299
info@doorking.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64