Alternative Transportation
VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) refers to all miles traveled by cars, trucks, and other similar motorized vehicles. The more vehicles on the road, the more pollution created and energy spent. Golden is committed to reducing that number.
Golden has set a goal to reduce the community’s overall VMT by 15% by the year 2017. This long-range goal will be achieved incrementally through encouragement of alternate modes of transportation such as walking, biking, bus, and light rail.
In 2007, the city-wide annual VMT was 486,000.
Electric Vehicles Get a Charge in Golden
In April 2013, the City received a grant from the Colorado Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) to install six electric vehicle charging stations around the City. These stations will provide broader access to refueling opportunities for electric vehicle users and will help the city achieve its 25% vehicle miles traveled reduction goal. Other benefits include reduction of harmful air pollutants, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy security by reducing petroleum usage and implementing cleaner, reliable alternative transportation.
Each quick-charge Level II station will feature dual cords and will be available 24/7. Although the grant requires free public use of the stations for at least three years, plans are underway for a business sponsorship program to offset the annual electric costs. Stations are expected to be installed and complete by August 2013.
Charging Station Locations (planned)
1250 Jackson Street – downtown public parking garage- 1152 Jackson Street – downtown public parking garage
- 623 14th Street – Renewable Energy Demonstration Center
- 17695 South Golden Road – Golden Real Estate
- 1470/1445 10th Street – Golden Community Center and Public Works Administration Building
- One additional site downtown, to be determined
In addition, electric vehicle users may also find existing stations at:
- 17222 South Golden Road – Walgreens
- 16700 West Colfax Avenue – Kohl’s Department Store
To search for additional electric charging stations, please visit http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html
For more information on Golden’s planned stations, please contact the City’s Sustainability Manager at (303) 384-8117 or email goldensustainability@cityofgolden.net.
The Two-Wheeled Solution
Safe Routes to Golden Schools
Free Horizon Montessori, a Jeffco Public Charter School located in the Corporate Center Office Park on West Colfax Avenue, provides opportunities for students to bike and walk to school. A Safe Routes to School grant provides for Bicycle Colorado instructors to educate kids on bike safety. Free Horizon also partners with several bike companies that are located within the same industrial park, including Spot Bikes, Yeti Cycles, and Feedback Sports. The school also hosts events such as International Bike To School Day and Walkin’ and Wheelin’ Day.
Bike To Work Day
Wondering how you can help the environment and fit more exercise into your day? Join the City of Golden for the annual Bike to Work Day, encouraging everyone to try a different way of commuting. If you’ve never commuted by bike before, it’s the perfect time to try.
Restaurants and grocery stores around town offer a free breakfast to bicycle commuters, with music, information booths, free bicycle tune-ups and lots of freebies.
Join the party! The next Bike to Work Day is June 26, 2013.
For more information and to register, visit www.BiketoWork2013.org.
RTD Ride Bike Facilities
Golden has added even more bike facilities for your RTD ride.
Do you commute to Boulder or Denver for work? Want to try RTD’s express routes but need to bike to your RTD bus stop?
Golden is making it even easier for bikers by improving the popular RTD stops at 10th Street and Washington Avenue. New bike storage areas now provide a secure location for your bike adjacent to the restrooms at Parfet Park. Bike to the bus stop and catch your express RTD ride to work today!
Rideshare and Carpool Opportunities
Has it been a while since you’ve seen a bigger paycheck? Wouldn’t it be nice to have some extra money in hand?
You already know about Bike to Work Day. Now see how the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ RideArrangers program can help you give yourself a raise: sign up today for free carpool matching and see the savings start to add up.
According to a recent carpooling convert, “At this rate, I could potentially save more than $2000 over the entire year. It’s like giving myself a raise, while I meet new people and provide a benefit to the environment.”
Go to www.RideArrangers.org, click the “Sign Up/Sign In” button, and provide some basic information including where you start and finish your commute. RideArrangers will match you with other people who live and work near you: all you have to do is set up your carpool and start saving. Find out how much Ridesharing can save you each year through the Commuter Calculator.
