Sustainability Spotlight: Boise State University, Department of Public Safety
This month, City Go is proud to spotlight Boise State University’s Department of Public Safety as a leader in sustainable transportation.
The Department of Public Safety at Boise State University supports sustainability and provides affordable, equitable, and accessible transportation options to meet students exactly where they are.
This department also oversees the Bronco Shuttle and the Cycle Learning Center, which serve as transportation resources for students, staff, and the community.
What does "sustainable transportation" mean to your organization?
Here at the Department of Public Safety for Boise State University, we regard sustainable transportation as options that allow for movement across and through campus efficiently, reducing emissions and limiting our environmental impact. In addition, we have people with various needs who are traveling with a limited footprint.
Equitable and accessible sustainable transportation options like bicycles, scooters, shuttles, and carpooling allow for efficient movement around campus. Programs like our full-service bicycle shop and our robust shuttle system demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. We provide these programs to every student and employee at no cost.
In particular, the Cycle Learning Center, located on campus, offers clinics and classes on bike maintenance and safe cycling practices. The bike shop sells hundreds of refurbished and rental bikes every year, and it hosts a Bike Commuter Club that gives members free tune-ups, daily parking passes, and exclusive discounts. We also encourage our community members to "park once" per day and walk around campus versus driving between locations. We also have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus for use at no cost.
Our team remains engaged with industry changes to continue to encourage sustainable transportation as we grow and launch new programs.
What inspires and drives your organization's work on sustainable transportation?
Being part of Boise State University and operating within an educational setting creates an opportunity to challenge the status quo by being innovative. We are exploring how we can continue utilizing transportation while focusing on options that reduce the negative impact on our environment.
Our team wants to be responsive to CO2 emissions that contribute to an unhealthy environment. We want to be part of the solution while searching for and providing cleaner transportation options. As part of an educational institution, we want to set an example of living in balance with ecosystems we rely on for various critical resources. We also realize it is more practical to expect our population to flow throughout campus more efficiently when a diversity of transportation modes are available.
Bikes sit outside the Bike Shop at Boise State University.
Why is your organization's participation in City Go important?
Our department believes in being active in our community in ways that are responsive to sustainability. To this end, we've partnered with City Go, which offers an array of resources, support, and technological innovation that aims to simplify transportation. From creating informative videos about our transportation options to helping connect folks to other transportation systems, City Go connects with our organization.
In addition, City Go offers a thoughtful analysis of all things transportation in Boise and our region, focusing on our employees' and students' unique needs.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with fellow City Go members?
The Bronco Shuttle is available for public use when there are events on campus like football games or large concerts. Additionally, the Cycle Learning Center maintains standard business hours and is always available for bike repairs, rentals, maintenance, and safe riding clinics.
Ultimately, the more we all participate in helping make City Go the central resource for Boise's transportation needs, the more effective it can be!
About Sustainability Spotlights
The benefits of a City Go membership go beyond access to discounted passes and services.
Members get expert advice, planning, and program development aimed at promoting sustainable transportation. Members help shape the future of growth management and transportation infrastructure in Boise and the Treasure Valley through relevant programming, outreach, and advocacy.
Each month, we feature a different member organization and highlight their contributions to creating a more connected community through supporting sustainable transportation.
Not a member? Learn more about the benefits of membership or contact us today!