Increase Event Turnout Not Traffic

Whether you are planning a large or small event, you can increase the likelihood that event goers find safe, affordable and sustainable ways to get there. 

Here are some tips for event planning and encouraging more ridesharing, biking and walking through your publicity.

• Does local bus service have a route that serves your location? Encourage use by letting participants know the bus route, nearest bus stop, and how often the bus runs.
• Will the event be within range of a bike share program? Let participants know where to access bikeshare services.
• Are there safe cycling routes to your event location? Check Google maps to find the nearest bike paths, or ask for a printed map from your local bike education or advocacy group.
• How can you encourage carpooling? Encourage participants to share rides and introduce people who may not know one another who are traveling from the same part of town. Consider recruiting volunteer drivers.
• Do participants have access to carshare programs or van pooling? These options make it possible for those without cars to get to locations that are not served by public transportation.
• Have you considered promoting ride-hailing apps? Uber and Lyft may be available in your area to offer rides. These services often offer free or discounted rates for national events like Election Day. Contact Uber or Lyft administration office to consider how they can support your event.
• Do you have the funds to rent a bus or shuttle? Provide rides from common locations at frequent times of the start and end of the event to ensure participants have a direct and affordable way to the event. Fundraising and charging a small fee to ride can help to cover the transportation costs.

Large Event Planning Considerations (500 or more participants)

• Think creatively about how to incentivize alternatives to driving alone. Offer premier parking for carpools. Offer codes or vouchers for discounted taxi, bus, and bikeshare rides. Offer free entrance or raffle tickets to walkers or those who ride a bike.
• Contact your local bus service to ask if they might provide a shuttle for your event, or discounts for bus fare on their regular routes.
• Indicate where bike racks are located, or consider purchasing bike racks, offering a secure bike storage area or bike valet in close proximity to the entrance of your event.
• Contact your local bike share program to ask if they can offer free or discounted rates for participants who access the bikes for your event.
• Access local and regional rideshare platforms to set up a ride-matching page and recruit drivers to offer rides to your event. Advertise this service with your event publicity.
• Host events at locations that are accessible via sidewalks and ramps. Offer phone or webinar access to engage people whose limitations do not allow them to easily attend your event.
• Partner with a local ride service for seniors and people with disabilities, this may include offering free or subsidized rides to people with small children and families with limited income.

Last updated October 9, 2019