A Two Part Solution

Cars, of course, have value for some trips, but they are causing the problems we note above. To reduce our dependence on cars, we need additional options for getting around town.

• Walking – Most of our destinations are too far from home to walk. Can we change that? Yes, by mixing residential land use with appropriate, controlled  commercial uses. We need “Walkable Neighborhoods” with local nearby schools, offices, and retail such as grocery stores and cafes and restaurants within walking distance of homes. To achieve this, we will need to reduce or eliminate residential-only zoning laws in some places and promote some commercial uses in more areas.
• Bikes and e-bikes (and other micromobility devices)– Boulder is sized such that bikes (and especially e-bikes) are an effective means of transport for most trips within the City, provided that there is a complete network of safe and comfortable pathways. E-bikes and e-cargo bikes enable a car-free or car-light lifestyle, permitting riders to cope with wind, cover hilly terrain, and/or carry children, groceries, or goods and still arrive at their destination without needing to shower. While e-bikes are expensive in comparison to most non-motorized bicycles, they are much less expensive than owning and operating a primary or secondary automobile. The same goes for electric scooters, electric skateboards, and a whole host of other electric micromobility devices. Many of these devices are now so small and light that they can be easily taken aboard the bus or train and stored inside at the home or office, making them a great last-mile solution for commuters. 
  Electric power is helpful, but not sufficient to achieve our goals. We must have safe routes for cycling throughout the city, which means better street crossings and physically protected bike lanes along major arterials and collector streets.  We also need adequate bike parking.  Shifting a substantial number of trips to bike will require that stores and other destinations furnish more and better bike racks than is typical now. These racks should be placed in locations that are convenient and well-trafficked (so as to reduce the risk of theft).
• Better Buses – Boulder has a few bus routes, such as the Skip and the Hop, which offer high frequencies (also known as “headway”). That needs to be the norm for all bus routes. We also need buses to more locations so that the entire city is within a short walk of a bus that comes frequently. Buses need to operate in the early morning and well into the night. They need to be extremely reliable in their schedules so you can count on them to get you in the time frame of your plan. More bus stops need shelters from the weather and every stop needs at least a bench. We also need more lanes dedicated to buses for faster travel both by local buses and Bus Rapid Transit.
• Automobiles, preferably small - or modestly-sized and electric or hybrid – There will continue to be many cases in which an automobile is needed, either personally-owned or, better, shared.