Description
Designating and implementing routes for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) within resort areas, planned communities, and other low-speed zones encourage low-emission travel. Often these facilities provide active transportation users with additional facilities as well.
Implementation Details
- Coordinate plans for facilities at a regional scale to ensure connectivity and consistency.
- Install NEV signage, striping, and crossings using California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines.
- Require new developments to include NEV access in circulation plans.
- Launch NEV pilot programs focused on senior mobility or short-distance trips near resort communities and retail hubs.
- Implement multi-use path connections that allow NEVs to access transit facilities and employment centers.
Mitigation Potential
Constructing NEV paths can incentive more trips to be made by NEV rather than Single Occupancy Vehicle. The impact on VMT will depend on the location and proximity of NEV paths to key destinations. While NEVs arguably do not reduce VMT as they still involve the use of small vehicles, NEV facilities may be used by bicyclists and help to build out the active transportation network. Additionally, the use of electric vehicles is in keeping with the state’s larger goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Prioritize NEV connectivity in areas underserved by fixed-route transit, including senior communities and mobile home parks. Ensure NEV access routes are ADA-compliant and connect to essential destinations like grocery stores, clinics, and transit stops. Provide subsidies or incentives for low-income households to access NEVs or shared NEV services.
Funding Sources
Likely requires significant initial funding to construct, plus continued funding for maintenance and operations. Active transportation grants and other one-time sources are available (though competitive). Such funding sources include the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program (Caltrans), and the Transformative Climate Communities Program (California Strategic Growth Program).
Examples/Case Studies
Indian Wells NEV Master Plan
Indian Wells developed a NEV network to connect residential areas, resort zones, and commercial centers with safe multi-use paths
Cathedral City NEV Access Plan
Pathways support resort, retail, and residential mobility via small electric vehicles while reducing GHG emissions and congestion