SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

By John Crockett

Sustainable transportation is a movement to efficiently connect people and places while also supporting the local economy and protecting the environment. The goal is to get people where they want to go using modes of transport that are efficient and affordable, lower carbon emissions, and reduce dependency on private vehicles. In addition to improving air quality and decreasing particulates in the lake, sustainable transportation decreases traffic helping locals and visitors get to the beach or trailhead, employees get to work, and provides better access for emergency vehicles on our crowded roadways. With expanded bus and microtransit service schedules or using foot or pedal-powered options, the opportunity to go sustainable this summer is easier than ever.

Washoe County recently adopted a Tahoe Transportation Plan with a vision of creating mobility in the basin that is cohesive. “The county is working to improve sustainable transportation options like walking, bicycling, and using transit to give people safe and affordable mobility options,” says Amy Cummings, Nevada Planning Manager for Parametrix, the consulting group that produced the plan. While the plan recommends long-term solutions including interconnected trails and mobility hubs outside the basin, the county is seeking grant funding to improve crosswalks throughout Incline Village this year.

While widespread use of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles is still years away, the availability and reliability of public transportation options is key to sustainability. Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transportation’s Connect microtransit program expands its schedule during the summer months to 8 am to midnight daily. Riders of the free and on-demand service use an app to get an estimated pickup and dropoff time before booking a ride.

Recently concluding a pilot program, TART Connect had over 550,000 riders in two years with the Incline Village and Crystal Bay zone being the most popular. “The more you can use microtransit, the more cars are off the road. As a resident, if you can get a ride from your house or work to the doctor’s office and back and leave the car, that helps all of us,” says Andy Chapman, CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada. A majority of riders are local residents but Chapman hopes to see more visitors use TART Connect to attend a show at the Crystal Bay Club or go to local restaurants.

In addition to the microtransit service, TART also operates free bus service reliably connecting all of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. The East Shore Express, the free shuttle taking riders from a depot on Southwood Boulevard to Sand Harbor State Park resumes on June 24. Shuttles run continuously from 10 am to 7 pm, seven days a week.

Ebikes are another sustainable solution and use continues to grow. The electric boost of pedal-assisted bicycles is ideal for covering ground in a hilly town. With a basket or cargo rack, you can pick up lunch from a local sandwich shop, cruise to a trailhead or lookout, stop by the beach, and then head into town for dinner, all without breaking a sweat.

Reminders on safety and etiquette come with each ebike rental at Tahoe Multisport at Upper Village Center. “We require everyone to take a helmet,” says co-owner Belinda Quene. “Watch out for people backing up out of driveways. All of our bikes have bells, use them when approaching people to give them a friendly hello.” Take caution when crossing streets, even at designated crosswalks, making sure drivers see you first. While ebikes are permitted on shared-use paths like the East Shore Path and Lakeshore Boulevard, be ready to slow down, ring your bell, and be ready to brake when approaching others.

Each rental comes with a bike lock and the option for add-ons like a cargo trailer for carrying inflatables, as well as pet carriers. “Most of our customers go to Sand Harbor [State Park], lock their bikes up, and enjoy the beach for a few hours.” Other renters include locals trying out ebikes for a possible future purchase or for visiting family and friends.

This summer is a chance for everyone in Incline Village and Crystal Bay to change how they get around. “We’re looking to reduce congestion, increase safety, and reduce vehicle miles. The more we can get cars off the road, everyone will have a better experience,” says Karl Hasty, Tahoe Transportation District Manager. On your next day or evening out, try a convenient sustainable transportation option and support the environmental health of the Tahoe region.

Big Blue Bike Rentals - bigbluebikerentals.com, 628233-1681, 111 Country Club Drive, inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Flume Trail Bikes - flumetrailtahoe.com, 775-2982501, 1115 Tunnel Creek Road, in the East Shore Path parking lot

Tahoe Multisport - tahoemultisport.wordpress.com, 775-750-7386, 797 Southwood Blvd., in the upper lot of the Village Center Village Ski Loft - www.villageskiloft.com, 775-8313537, 800 Tahoe Blvd., at the corner of Tahoe and Northwoods Blvds.

Vista Trail Bikes - vistatrailbikes.com, 775-298-7431, 893 Tahoe Blvd., in the Starbucks parking lot

Shahri Masters grew up at Lake Tahoe, staying on for the beauty, the lifestyle, and the people. As a third-generation real estate broker, she followed the family path of real estate and construction.

Shahri will bring to you a historical perspective as well as in-depth knowledge of the area, of TRPA and development, and of course –The Real Estate Market.

I absolutely would recommend anyone who lives in our community take this program. Every day brought new information that I hadn’t learned before.”

— Leslie Masterpool 2023 WCLA Graduate