Why are motorcycles not included as an alternative mode?

If there is more than one licensed person riding the motorcycle, then the trip counts as a ridesharing trip. Riding a motorcycle by oneself is not an eligible Smart Trip. Motorcycles provide savings to individual riders and contribute positively to the community by consuming much less fossil fuel. Other community benefits are less certain. For example, according to the EPA, current motorcycle engines pollute at a rate 90 times higher per mile than passenger cars or even a large sport utility vehicle. More information on this issue may be found through the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. Walking, bicycling, sharing rides and riding the bus are promoted by Whatcom Smart Trips for the full range of individual and community benefits that they provide. ... more

A goal of the program is to encourage transportation methods that reduce traffic congestion. Even given the relative size of a motorcycle to a car, they are still a vehicle using our roadways. We believe that the best way to encourage people to use fewer vehicles overall is to encourage walking, biking, ridesharing, or riding the bus. Another goal of the program is to reduce air pollution. According to the EPA, current motorcycle engines pollute at a rate 90 times higher per mile than passenger cars or even a large sport utility vehicle. More information on this issue may be found through the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. A motorcycle qualifies as a carpool if more than one person is riding the same cycle. ... more

A goal of the program is to encourage transportation methods that reduce traffic congestion. Even given the relative size of a motorcycle to a car, they are still a vehicle using our roadways. We believe that the best way to encourage people to use fewer vehicles overall is to encourage walking, biking, ridesharing, or riding the bus. Another goal of the program is to reduce air pollution. According to the EPA, current motorcycle engines pollute at a rate 90 times higher per mile than passenger cars or even a large sport utility vehicle. More information on this issue may be found through the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. A motorcycle qualifies as a carpool if more than one person is riding the same cycle. ... more