In an effort to reduce emissions from motor vehicles and improve air quality in the South Coast AQMD, the City of Los Angeles developed and implemented the Bike Patrols for Clean Air program, a multi-department initiative that replaces motor vehicles with bicycle patrols. The program was established in March 1998 and expanded in 2001 with the addition of 115 bicycles co-funded by the MSRC. In addition to the primary air quality goal of the program, the City sought to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the already successful bicycle patrol program by lowering maintenance costs. The 115 bicycles and related equipment were deployed in several City departments, including the Police Department, Recreation and Parks, Transportation, and Harbor. Eighty (80) bicycles were deployed by the Police Department, ten bicycles by the Recreation and Parks department, 20 bicycles in Parking Enforcement, and 5 bicycles at the Harbor Department.
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The City of Los Angeles was the primary beneficiary of this project. In addition to the air quality benefits, the use of bicycles in lieu of motor vehicles enhances mobility in congested areas, elevates the productivity and morale of officers, heightens community and business interaction, and lowers operating costs.
This program has resulted in the following annual benefits: Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction: 828,100 miles Reactive Organic Gases (ROG) Reduction: 219 pounds/year Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Reductions: 822 pounds/year Particulate Matter (PM10) Reductions: 840 pounds/year
The Final Report includes a detailed overview of the project's implementation, including quantification of project benefits.