In an effort to reduce congestion and improve air quality, the City of New Rochelle’s Department of Development hosted a Micro-Mobility event on May 20.
The event brought in vendors to showcase zero-emission ways to get around the city and reduce dependency on single car trips. Of these vendors, Nissan provided a ‘Leaf’ electric vehicle for locals to test drive and learn about the advantages of driving sustainably. Other vendors included 511 NY Rideshare, Circuit and VeoRide, who showcased alternate, inexpensive ways to get around New Rochelle. Preventing the impacts of climate change from worsening is imperative to protecting public health and the environment. These vendors hope to provide feasible alternatives to address these issues. Additionally, 511 NY Rideshare also provided New Rochelle with a comprehensive list of walking trails.
“Implementing strategies to reduce emissions and foster improved air quality to create a healthy and livable city is central to the City of New Rochelle’s overall mission of being a leading city in sustainability practices”, said Adam Salgado, Commissioner of Development at City of New Rochelle. “The micro-mobility event was a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to being an environmentally friendly city, while allowing vendors to showcase innovative, zero-emission transportation methods of the future.”
This event aimed to follow goals set in New Rochelle’s 2010-2030 ‘GreeNR’ sustainability plan, encouraging an ongoing commitment to sustainability, demonstrated not only through public policy, but also through individual action. Included in the plan, New Rochelle would like to achieve at least a 50% increase in the number of commuters who walk or bike, from 3,300 to 5,000. Mayor Noam Bramson spoke at Friday’s event speaking on the positive impact green transportation alternatives will have on New Rochelle.
“This week’s event showcased and celebrated the importance of sustainable mobility options," said Mayor Noam Bramson. "Whether we are walking, biking, or using a scooter. the Circuit free electric shuttle, an electric car or mass transit- all these things are healthy for our community and better for our world."
Last June, the City of New Rochelle launched a Veo bike and e-scooter share program, placing a fleet of 30 bikes and 350 standing electric scooters throughout the city. This provides an inexpensive and sustainable way to explore New Rochelle. Even though the operation and vehicles are fully funded by private investment, grants, and pennies collected from the local fountains, the personal transportation initiative still requires city officials maintain a strong involvement, guidance and monitoring of the program.
Operationally, the City of New Rochelle has expanded to its commitments to include sustainable and clean transportation with its own fleet of 14 ‘Leaf’ electric vehicles, including the police department’s first Hybrid Electric Patrol vehicle.
The micro-mobility event took place at Station Plaza on May 20 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM. For more information and to continue to see updates, please visit the Transportation and Mobility webpage.
View event photos on the City's Facebook page
About the City of New Rochelle
With its unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents and a focused business climate, New Rochelle is experiencing the transformation of a generation. The City’s current economic development plan will provide a spark for the entire Hudson Valley region, positioning the City as “open for business” and embracing smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns that promote open space, its close proximity to New York City and opportunities for businesses to rebound, recover and succeed in the current economic climate. Accelerated by a new, fast-track zoning process along with resources for small businesses and micro-enterprises, the ongoing Master Development initiative will continue to enhance the downtown area by supporting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability and livability through green and energy-efficient design. For more information on why New Rochelle is ideally yours, please visit https://www.ideallynewrochelle.com.