For our multifamily project, we propose the following approach to earn an ID point for transportation management. Please confirm whether this strategy is likely to earn an ID point if appropriately implemented and documented, and if not, what additional activities would be necessary to earn the credit. We propose to implement a two-part program to encourage bicycle use and reduce automobile use. Due to our suburban community\'s lack of a comprehensive, convenient public transportation system, we believe biking will be residents\' preferred alternative transportation mode. (Please note that this means we may not meet SSc4.1 requirements for public transportation access, but will meet 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4). (1) Implement a bicycle check-out program by which the apartment community loans bikes to residents to use for free. We expect the bikes would be used for errands and other periodic trips (when public transportation may not be practical), reducing automobile use for these trips. The bikes would also be used for recreation/exercise, contributing to a healthier community. For a 500-person community, we would purchase 5 bikes. (2) Subsidize residents\' purchase of bicycles for daily commuting. The check-out program would not be able to serve regular bike commuters. For these residents, the property will subsidize 10% of the purchase cost (up to $100) of a bicycle. Per LEED CIR ruling IDc1.1-5/9/2003, the program will continue for at least 5 years or 50 bicycles, whichever comes first.
Innovation credits are awarded during the certification process, not through the CIR process. This ruling is to provide guidance about the likely measures and documentation that would need to be included in the credit application. The intent of the comprehensive transportation management innovation credit is to implement multiple measures towards achieving a reduction in single passenger vehicle usage and the associated emissions. The proposed bicycle sharing and subsidies will contribute towards a comprehensive transportation management plan, but are not sufficient to qualify on their own. To develop a comprehensive transportation management plan the project team should incorporate measures to increase the use of carpooling and low-emitting vehicles similar to those listed in CIR ruling IDc1.1-5/9/2003. Furthermore, the bicycle subsidy program should offer a discount of at least 20% per CIR ruling SSc4.3-7/5/2007. Although, this CIR refers to parking discounts the same incentive would be necessary to be meaningful in all potential markets. The project team may also want to consider pursuing an innovation credit for exemplary performance under SSc4.2. This credit may be achieved in a residential development by providing covered storage facilities for at least 30% of the building residents, and by demonstrating adequate demand for the additional bicycle storage capacity and the existence of nearby destinations accessible by bicycle and/or the existence of bicycle infrastructure such as bike lanes or bike paths.