The City of Kingston last week announced plans to conduct a clean mobility feasibility study to consider bike and scooter shares, EV ride-shares, a bicycle library and other possibilities.
Last month, the city was awarded $100,000 through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to explore a zero-emission citywide transportation program for use by residents and visitors alike.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding and are excited to see what the possibilities there may be for implementing an innovative shared electric transportation program in the City of Kingston,” said Mayor Steve Noble in an April 7 press release. “Our aim is to support increased access to community resources, improve recreation offerings and connect the three business districts.”
To conduct the study, the city has teamed with Manhattan-based WXY Studio a multidisciplinary design agency focused on shaping the built environment through the creation of equitable, vibrant and healthy buildings, communities and urban systems. The firm believes that real world function is a critical component of a successful zero-emission transportation program. They also believe Kingston has an opportunity to set the bar high for other communities.
“Part of what makes this project meaningful is the chance to build something with Kingston that’s zero-emission and genuinely grounded in how people live,” said WXY Studio principal Adam Lubinsky. “Clean mobility has to work for real routines, real streets, and real needs. This study gives us the space to start with questions and shape a program that reflects the city’s priorities. It’s also an opportunity to help create a new model for local micro-mobility that other cities can learn from.”
NYSERDA president and CEO Doreen Harris agreed.
“NYSERDA is proud to support the City of Kingston’s study to understand how clean mobility options can bring benefits to residents and visitors while improving the local transportation system,” Harris said. “The results will lay the foundation to develop longer-term bike and ride share options that are flexible, sustainable and healthier for the community.”
As part of the study, the city is seeking input from the community with an online survey. Most of the 20 questions are multiple choice, including demographics, in which ward residents live, experience with a wide range of transportation options under consideration, reasons for wishing to use e-bikes or shared mobility services, concerns relating to the various options, and what the city could do to become more bike-friendly.
Kingston’s Director of Health and Wellness Emily Flynn, project manager for the plan, said she looks forward to hearing the community’s feedback on the possibilities under consideration.
“I’m very excited to work on creating clean mobility options for Kingston residents and visitors,” said Flynn. “I’m especially interested to find out if our community would like a shared system or other tools for increasing opportunities for active transportation.”
The survey, available in English and Spanish, is open through May 2. From there, the city and WXY Studio will develop and draft the mobility plan before presenting a final draft to the community. No timetable has been set beyond May 2.
The study will be informed by the City of Kingston’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan. In 2024, the Kingston Common Council passed a resolution allowing electric-assisted bicycles on public lands.
The press release draws a clear connection between the project and Mayor Noble’s longtime commitment to making Kingston safer, greener and more connected, noting that the Kingston Point Rail Trail Phase 1, Midtown Linear Park, and the Hudson River Brickyard Trail have been created during his administration. The release also mentions the Kingston Greenline, a network of urban trails, complete streets and sidewalks, bike lanes, and linear parks, a project undertaken in partnership with the Kingston Land Trust, the City of Kingston, and Ulster County.
For more information on the clean mobility feasibility study, including a link to the survey, visit: https://engagekingston.com/clean-mobility-study
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