Sustainable Transportation

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Emissions from the transportation sector are the leading source of air pollution and the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in Denver. This pollution from the tailpipes of our cars, trucks, and buses contributes to climate change and smog formation. It is also responsible for particulates that can travel deep into the lungs causing potentially life-threatening damage to our cardiovascular systems.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one way to address this pollution, and Denver’s EV emissions benefits analysis shows just how much greenhouse gas (GHG) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) we can save by switching from gas engines to EVs. The Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency has many ongoing EV projects you can learn about on our Pass Gas page.

The City believes EVs are a key solution to improving air and reducing emissions, but as a City we first prioritize transportation options that reduce the number of people driving alone and improve traffic congestion. These projects are often led by other departments with expertise and assistance from the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency.

Transit

Transit includes modes of transport like buses, trains, light-rail, and shuttles, and is the best way to move people long distances while reducing vehicle on the road. The Denver Moves: Transit plan aims to make transit the first choice for transport in Denver by identifying key corridors to focus improvements in capacity, efficiency, or frequency. It also plans to improve the transit system in terms of comfortability and community at transit stops, and work on affordable fares.

Denver Moves: Transit

Biking

Bicycles provide a travel option that is convenient, affordable, has health benefits and eases vehicle congestion. The  Denver Moves: Bicycle Program plans to increase mileage of bikeways, connect bike networks with 17 miles of biking backbone connections, and focus on creating higher-comfort types of bike lanes to encourage more riders to get out and bike. This interactive map shows existing and planned bike lanes to help you find the best route in your area.

Denver Moves: Bicycle Program

Walking

Walking is the most environmentally mode of transport we have, but it’s not always easy. The Denver Moves: Pedestrians plan aims to identify areas in Denver where walkways are missing or insufficient, improve them, and add additional walkways and trails to create a complete walking network in the city.

Denver Moves: Pedestrians

Micromobility

As dockless scooters and bikes arrived in Denver, the City conducted a pilot program permitting their operation and allowing the City to study them. Denver is now working to grant a specific license for dockless companies to improve coordination and benefits with the City going forward.

Micromobility: Pilot Program

Vision Zero

With the increased mobility options today and work of the above programs increasing their use, Denver is committed to improving travel safety. Denver’s Vision Zero goal is to have zero traffic-related deaths by 2030, by creating safer speeds on streets and promoting a safety culture, among other strategies.

Vision Zero

Smart City

Denver is working on a number of smart technology solutions to transportation such as smart traffic signals and traffic systems to improve efficiency and safety, navigation apps, and more.

Connected Mobility

Pass Gas

Pass gas by using something other than a gas-powered vehicle to get around. Walking and biking are the cleanest options, but if you need a car to get where you’re going, then consider a plug-in electric vehicle (EV). Learn more about the program and find electric vehicle charging stations across the Denver area.

Pass Gas Program

City EV Projects

The Denver Electric Vehicle Action Plan includes a comprehensive series of projects to make Denver a great place to own and drive an EV.

Learn about City EV Projects

Mobility Action Plan

Denver’s Mobility Action Plan will support the transportation choices people want to make and move more people, more efficiently, and more safely. It will increase mobility options, improve safety, address climate change, improve public health, and create more accessibility.

Read the Mobility Action Plan

Sustainable Mobility Pyramid

Most Sustainable to Least Sustainable 

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Most Sustainable: Walking & Biking

 ↓ Bus & Transit

 ↓ Carpooling in an EV

 ↓ Carpooling

 ↓ Driving Alone in an EV

Least Sustainable: Driving Alone

 

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