Transportation Emissions
How Do We Get Around Redwood City?
Transportation emissions are a major contributor to climate change, and the choices we make about how we get around have a direct impact on our community. Currently, 59.8% of Redwood City residents drive alone on their commutes, increasing congestion and our reliance on gasoline. To reduce our transportation emissions, we will focus on solutions like transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and exploring low-carbon mobility options like walking, biking, and public transit.
Low-Carbon Mobility
Finding More Sustainable Ways to Travel
A key strategy for reducing transportation emissions is simply taking fewer trips by car. The most sustainable car ride is the one you don’t take, after all. That’s where low-carbon mobility comes in. Low-carbon mobility refers to transportation systems that produce zero or few emissions. Examples include:
- Public transit
- Biking or scootering
- Walking
- Other strategies such as carpooling
Low-carbon mobility options like these examples are becoming more accessible as the City works to make them more convenient, affordable, and safe.
Low-Carbon Mobility
Creating a City Where Walking, Biking, and Transit Thrive
The RWC Walk Bike Thrive Plan sets an ambitious goal: by 2030, half of all trips should be made by non-driving modes. In some areas—especially downtown, where transit access and a mix of destinations are readily available—commuters are already reaching this target.
By implementing key strategies, including over 48 miles of new bicycle facilities, we expect to see sustainable travel habits grow citywide, making biking, walking, and transit even more viable options for everyday trips.
Electric Vehicles in Redwood City
Did you know 5.3% of vehicles in Redwood City are electric? It’s true, EVs are on the rise: we have seen over a 50% increase in EVs in Redwood City since 2018. Electrifying our vehicles is a key strategy to reducing our GHGs by eliminating our dependence on gasoline. Take advantage of regional and state resources to pursue an EV for your next vehicle and help Redwood City continue its path towards becoming a local leader in clean transportation.
Taking the Lead
It is the goal of the City to lead the way towards cleaner transportation for our community. On the municipal side, transportation emissions largely come from either the municipal fleet or from employee commutes. The City, guided by the Municipal Fleet Transition Plan, has already adopted a number of municipal fleet and employee commute measures that reduce emissions. These include making vehicles more energy efficient, replacing gas-powered fleet vehicles with hybrid vehicles and EVs, and incentivizing commute alternatives for employees.
Electric Vehicles
Charging the City
It has never been easier to drive an EV in Redwood City! There are over 350+ publicly available chargers located throughout town, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot to charge your car. Use the ChargePoint Locator Map to find your nearest EV charging station and view live updates of how many ports are available.
Mobile Equipment
Reducing Our Reliance on Gas Equipment
To reduce noise and air pollution, the state of California requires all leaf blowers sold to be electric—gas-powered models are prohibited. Electric leaf blowers are quieter, cleaner, and help improve air quality for everyone. The City encourages the community to make the switch and provides resources to support the transition.
Here are some tips for sustainable lawn care:
- Refrain from leaf blowing on Spare the Air Days
- Consider raking and bagging whenever possible
- Compost your leaves whenever possible
- Ask your gardener/landscaper to rake and bag or use an electric leaf blower while working on your property
What You Can Do
Get Off Gas and Go Electric
The City is making electric vehicles, low-carbon mobility, and cleaner mobile equipment more accessible for all residents.