Big Idea: Becoming Car Optional
Becoming Car Optional describes the aim to expand transportation options beyond cars and maintain an efficient transportation system that allows people and goods to travel throughout Greensboro.
This Big Idea focuses on lessening our dependence on private automobiles and reducing the pressure to have multiple cars per household.
Why Become Car Optional?
Like most cites in the United States, the design of Greensboro’s land uses and road network make walking, cycling, and other non-automotive means of transportation difficult, and many times unpleasant. We have become dependent on private automobiles for the vast majority of trips outside of our house, rather than viewing the automobile as one of multiple options.
Public demand for a variety of transportation options, for neighborhoods that provide sidewalks, and for amenities within walking and cycling distance has grown significantly.
Issues and Opportunites Addressed
- Affordability
- Street Design
- Safety
- Greenspace
- Transit
For more information see Chapter 6 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Current Implementation Activities
Streetscape Improvements
The City is implementing several streetscape projects that will increase options for walking and cycling, as well as create distinctive places.
The Summit Avenue project will improve connections between downtown, the Dunleath neighborhood, and the Downtown Greenway. It is expected to be complete in the fall of 2022.
Two other projects are part of the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. The Bellemeade-Eugene Streetscape will celebrate baseball and create a dynamic, festival atmosphere; the Davie Street Streetscape will add trees, benches, cycling facilites, and will feature information the Greensboro Four.
Bike Lanes
The City will begin piloting a program for separated bike lanes.
What we hope to accomplish: In addition to implementing our BiPed Plan, a pilot program will show the value of protected bike lines in encouraging broader participation.
Micromobility
In April, Greensboro launched a new micromobility with Blue Duck to provide e-bikes and e-scooters as the permitted operator of Greensboro's Shared Micromobility Service program. Greensboro's micro-vehicles are permitted to operate under the same regulations as bicyles. This program greatly expands your options for moving around in Greensboro! You can find more about the program here.
What we hope to accomplish: A long-term program expanding transportation options.
OUR GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR A CAR OPTIONAL CITY
Public input gathered during the process has uncovered a greater demand for walkable, mixed-use areas than what is currently available on the market. This market trend presents an opportunity to strengthen neighborhoods, add to Greensboro’s tax base, and create a more attractive and interesting City with lots of amenities, but only if the new development is carefully blended into the existing development pattern.
Goal A
Greensboro has unrivaled pedestrian, biking, transit,and road networks that provide safe, comfortable,and convenient transportation options.
Strategy 1: When designing and reconfiguring streets, continue to build on programs and policies that consider the existing and future land use of the surrounding area. A variety of road features such as street width, degree of straightness, cross walk design, and curb design at intersections are important in creating an environment that supports the intended intensity and scale of adjacent land uses.
Strategy 2: Encourage new development that is compatible with the intended use of the adjacent roadway, which could be supporting commercial activity, serving a primarily residential area, or carrying significant traffic volumes. Support denser development along commercial corridors to create a better environment for multiple transportation options such as walking and higher rates of public transit use. Create plans to connect adjacent, large commercial areas to each other with transportation improvements that allow comfortable and convenient use of various non-automotive travel modes.
Strategy 3: Multiple transportation options should be considered when designing streets. Choosing transportation other than a private car should be safe, convenient, and comfortable. If some streets are not able to safely handle multiple forms of transportation, routes should take advantage of quieter parallel streets. This includes supporting programs for Complete Streets and for traffic calming when appropriate and in coordination with assessments of adjacent land uses.
Goal B
Everyone loves our interconnected greenspaces, which provide recreation and transportation opportunities, promote active living, and protect our natural environment.
Strategy 1: Expand the greenway network to connect all parts of the city as a key element of the transportation system. Develop a variety of parks and park programs to make vital and unique public places in neighborhoods that promote healthy living and social interaction.
Strategy 2: Continue to improve our parks and green corridors to offer refuge for urban wildlife, positively impact the environment, and provide educational opportunities for residents. Many of Greensboro’s parks run along our extensive creek network and create rich habitats for a variety of wildlife, as well as opportunities for recreation, education, and to improve water and air quality. Rail corridors throughout Greensboro provide "highways" for wildlife to move across the City safely.
“People across the city should be able to access the assets of the city through multiple modes of transportation.”