Transportation & Land Use
Decisions about transportation options and land use planning play a critical role in determining how we get around and the impact of that travel. In a geographically large city, like Indianapolis, it is not feasible to develop in a way that ensures everyone can walk to work. However, we can prioritize redevelopment in neighborhoods that lend themselves to transit or other modes of commuting. Another way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation is to switch to low-carbon fuels. With a municipal electric utility, we are very interested in the opportunities to reduce GHG emissions through promoting electric vehicles, while also greening our electricity grid.
GHG Emissions From Transportation
Transportation Emissions
There was a 5% increase in transportation-related GHG emissions from 2010-2016. Our City has a goal to reduce GHG emissions from our transportation sector 30% below our 2010 value by 2025. That would bring our GHG emissions down to 3.5 million MTCO2e.
UNIT | Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e). | MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent |
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e). | MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent |
Source: City of Indianapolis & Marion County. (2018). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report for 2010, 2013, & 2016.
Commute Mode
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
2010
2015
2040 - Goal
Our City has a goal to reduce the amount each person travels in their vehicle each day.
Commute Mode
Getting Around Our City
Commuting refers to how residents and workers in Indianapolis get to their place of business. Transportation choices impact our City’s air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, land use, and safety. Indianapolis wants to make it easier and more common for residents and others to take public transit, walk, bike, or carpool to work, as these modes of transportation have health, environmental, and quality of life benefits. As of 2016, more than 80% of us drive alone to get to work or school. The necessity for a personal vehicle is high: while 86% of jobs are accessible in 30 minutes by car, only 20% are accessible in 1 hour by public transit. Thrive Indianapolis, along with the IndyMoves plan map our opportunities to reduce our drive alone numbers and set a goal of 75% by 2025.
UNIT | This metric looks at the percent of all commuters who drive to and from work each day with only one person in the vehicle. | %Percent of commuters who drive alone |
This metric looks at the percent of all commuters who drive to and from work each day with only one person in the vehicle. | %Percent of commuters who drive alone |
Commute Mode
Transitioning to Biking
Local organizations aim to create a low-stress bicycle network that is accessible and welcoming for people of all ages and bicycling abilities. The plan lays out 35 distinct projects that create new neighborhood connections, improve access to major destinations, and fill gaps in the existing bike network, while maximizing safety.
Commute Mode
Miles of Bike Lanes
According to a recent survey, 63% of respondents indicated that biking in Our City would be better if there were more bike lanes and on-street facilities. Miles of bike lanes typically refer only to those on the streets, rather than trails. Bike lanes are an important component of a resilient and sustainable city. They encourage people to get out of their cars that pollute our air. Our City currently has 104 miles of bike lanes on its roads. Our goal is to nearly double that to 200 miles by 2025. These bike lanes will allow our community to have an affordable and safe alternative to driving.
Did you know?
Our City has more than 8K miles of roads, 798 miles of bus routes, 104 miles of bike lanes and 99 miles of greenways & trails.
Transportation & Land Use
Be a Part of the Solution
We all have a role to play in meeting our transportation goals. Here are some things you can start doing today.