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đź“„Project Showcase
Problem Statement
FAU Boca Raton faces increasing transportation challenges, including traffic congestion, high parking demand, and limited alternatives for short-distance travel. Despite close proximity to key destinations, most trips are still made by car, creating inefficiencies and environmental impacts.
Rationale
This project evaluates bike-sharing as a sustainable solution to improve mobility and reduce car dependency. FAU’s compact campus and proximity to urban destinations make it an ideal setting to explore alternative transportation systems that support sustainability goals.
Background / Literature Review
Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States (EPA, 2023). Research shows that compact, mixed-use environments with short trip distances are ideal for non-automobile travel (Cervero & Kockelman, 1997).
Bike-sharing systems have been widely adopted as flexible, low-cost mobility solutions. Studies indicate that these systems reduce vehicle trips, improve accessibility, and support sustainable urban development (Fishman, 2016). They are especially effective for trips between 1–3 miles, which aligns with FAU’s surrounding destinations (Pucher & Buehler, 2012).
Programs like the Pace Bike Share Program demonstrate how app-based systems can successfully operate in university environments, improving mobility while reducing reliance on cars.
