|
By Mel Groves
 The most recent University of Victoria traffic survey shows that more campus community members are choosing sustainable modes of travel to get to and from campus.
In October 2008, consultants Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd. conducted a comprehensive survey of current traffic types and access patterns to and from the university for a typical weekday.
The aim of the study, which was modeled on previous studies conducted since 1992, was to provide a snapshot of modes of travel to and from campus, including single- and multi-occupant vehicle use, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians. The surveys help monitor the impact of UVic’s Travel Choices Program, which advocates a demand management approach to parking and sustainable forms of transportation.
“By implementing a series of programs, support and infrastructure, UVic has been successful in reducing the reliance on single-occupant vehicles,” says Sarah Webb, sustainability coordinator in the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability. “We have a vision of providing sustainable travel options for every campus community member, and the traffic survey helps us to measure and evaluate our progress.”
Overall, the average total weekday traffic recorded at three major entrance points (15,343 vehicles) was approximately 12 per cent lower than in 2006.
Single-occupancy vehicle trips now account for only 37.5 per cent of total trips, and have steadily decreased since 2000.
Transit use has risen significantly since 1996, and in 2008 accounted for 31 per cent of all trips. The number of pedestrian trips (6,165) to and from the university makes up 11 per cent of total traffic, similar to 2006 but 29 per cent higher than in 2002.
The percentage of cycle commuters has also increased to 7 per cent of all trips. On an average weekday, approximately 3,964 bicycle trips are made to campus, an increase of 37 per cent over 2006. Skateboarders and rollerbladers make up a small but significant 0.3 per cent of traffic to and from campus.
For the complete report and other information, visit the website of the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability at www.uvic.ca/sustainability or contact Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Webb at 250-721-6678.
|
