Journey Towards a Greener Transportation System

To eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2050, the City is developing a Net Zero Transportation Plan (NZTP). The NZTP, which is expected to be completed by summer 2024, will pilot a transformative approach to equitable and inclusive engagement to create a mode shift and electrification plan that addresses the needs of all community members, particularly those who have been underheard and underserved. In the interim, the City of Cambridge is promoting the use of sustainable transportation through education, community workshops, and infrastructure projects.

City staff organize about 25 bike workshops/ rides annually on bike maintenance, urban cycling, family and winter riding, as well as classes for 2nd and 6th graders in Cambridge Public Schools. The Healthy Aging and Cycling program offers a fitness and group ride series for older adults, and the Safe Routes to School program ensures that every 2nd grader receives pedestrian safety education and every 6th grader receives a cycling course. The City’s Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Committees are made up of resident volunteers who provide input on transportation projects.

In recent years, several miles of separated and protected bike lanes have been installed, and new trail projects like the Grand Junction Path and Danehy-New Street Connector are being developed. The City aims to install 150 bike parking racks annually and new types of bus stops and new types of bus stops and amenities for transit users.

Finally, the City is adding more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to its municipal fleet, including the first two fully electric rubbish packers on order. In 2022, the City launched an anti-idling campaign focused on eliminating unnecessary idling to help reduce GHG emissions from the municipal fleet. These additional efforts are important steps towards sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions in the city.

Learn more at: Cambridgema.gov/transportation