| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.51 |
| Liaison | Chris Frantsvog |
| Submission Date | May 1, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Luther College
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.13 / 2.00 |
Maren
Stumme-Diers Assistant Sustainability Coordinator Environmental Studies |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
Winter Bike Storage
To help promote the use of bicycles as an alternative forms of transportation, Luther offers free winter storage for bicycles. Bicycles are placed in secure, dry storage in the Ashmore-Jewell Barn (the red barn next to Baker Village.) The barn is open two days in late November to accept bikes. The bikes are locked together and placed in storage by sustainability staff and student workers.
Bicycle Commuter Services
Showering and locker facilities are available for use by all staff and students in Regent's Center. Also, Sampson-Hoffland Laboratories has a shower and changing room to accommodate employees after their ride to work as a way to encourage bicycling as a form of transportation.
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking (e.g. racks) within 50 ft (15 m) of all occupied, non-residential buildings and make long-term bicycle storage available within 330 ft (100 m) of all residence halls (if applicable)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
There are bicycle racks outside every main non-residential building on campus that allow bikes to be stored from the start of the school year until November, and from March until the end of the school year. The largest and most commonly used bike racks (outside the union, Brandt, Towers, and a few other locations) remain open during the winter for winter bikers. Students who do not bike in the winter and wish to store their bike long-term, they can bring their bike to Ashmore-Jewell Barn for the winter bike storage program described above.
Does the institution have a “complete streets” or bicycle accommodation policy (or adhere to a local community policy) and/or have a continuous network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths and lanes?:
A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
The Luther College Bike Share Program provides 5, single-speed coaster brake bikes and 9 multiple-speed bikes free to the Luther community. Bikes and helmets may be checked out at the Circulation Desk in Preus Library for up to four hours per day. Bikes must be returned to the library by closing time. The regular operational hours for the library are (hours during breaks vary):
* Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - Midnight
* Friday: 7:30am - 7:30pm
* Saturday: 9:00am - 9:00pm
* Sunday: Noon - Midnight
During the summer the library is open from 7:30pm - 4:30pm and bikes are allowed to be checked out over night.
Is the institution certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (U.S.) or under a similar third party certification covering non-motorized transportation?:
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):
While not catered to commuters, Luther does offer two shuttles catered to students:
Decorah Shopping Shuttle:
A twice-a-month shuttle takes students downtown and to Wal-mart at no charge to complete their monthly shopping needs. The shuttle first takes students downtown and makes a stop. It then proceeds to Wal-mart and drops off the remaining passengers. The driver wait for roughly an hour, leaves with Wal-mart shoppers then stops downtown again and picks up the downtown shoppers. The shuttle then returns to campus.
Luther's Shuttle Service
The Luther College shuttle service is designed to provide efficient, low-cost transportation for students as they travel to and from the Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin areas. Transportation will be provided by a Luther College or Hawkeye Stages bus. However, if few students reserve seats, a Luther van will be used. The shuttle occurs at the beginning and end of each semester and J-term as well as Fall, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the GRT program:
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
Luther Rideshare Site
Rideshare.luther.edu is an easy way for Luther students, faculty and staff to offer and post rides with a user-friendly Google Maps interface. Whether users are looking for passengers, or looking for a ride, this technology makes carpooling easy.
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
Luther has a contract with U Car Share (a division of U-haul) for a car sharing program at Luther College. U Car Share provides two vehicles (one hybrid) available for hourly rental by students, faculty, staff, departments and the community. Members can use the vehicle for short trips at a lower rate ($4.95/hr) which does not include mileage ($0.59/mile) – great for short distance trips that require a longer use of the vehicle - or a flat rate ($9.25/hr) that includes 180 miles per reservation. Within this rate structure there are also plan discounts available for people who know they will be using the vehicles frequently.
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the condensed work week program:
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
Luther College’s Wellness Office has created a new program making it easier for faculty and staff to walk, bike, or carpool to work more frequently. By signing up, Wellness will pay the membership fee ($25 value) to join Luther’s UHaul CarShare program. Wellness will then pay UHaulCarShare usage fees ($9.25/hr value) for travel to and from personal appointments and errands during work hours if you walked, biked, or carpooled to work that day.
https://www.luther.edu/sustainability/energy-climate/transportation/cars/wellness/
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.