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Sustainable Transportation

As a part of our mission to Make Orange Green, our office is dedicated to promoting alternative transportation on campus–specifically, micro-mobility.

Bicycle Friendly University Logo — The League of American Bicyclists

Learn more about our Bicycle Friendly University designation.


What Is Micro Mobility?

Micro mobility refers to any human or electric-powered form of transportation capable of speeds up to, but not exceeding, 25 miles per hour.


Example of Micro Mobility

Micro mobility includes:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Skating
  • Scooters
  • Other forms of PLEV usage

PLEVs (Personal Light Electric Vehicles) include eBikes and eScooters. Additional examples of PLEVs on campus are hoverboards, Segways, and any other motorized, wheeled form of micro mobility that is smaller than a car.


Why Micro Mobility Matters

Micro mobility plays a key role in helping cities become more sustainable in the long run by addressing many of the issues caused by traditional cars.

Gas-powered vehicles contribute to air pollution through the emission of greenhouse gases. In contrast, human- or electric-powered transportation emits nothing.

Choosing alternative forms of transportation also helps reduce traffic congestion and parking demand on campus.


How You Can Participate

You can contribute to Making Orange Green by using alternative forms of transportation whenever possible.

Our office aims to make that easier for students, staff, faculty, and all visitors at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


Campus Programs & Partnerships

The Office of Sustainability has partnered with Velotric to offer high-quality eBikes at an affordable price for students.

We also work closely with Smart Trips, a program that rewards individuals for choosing sustainable transportation methods.

Learn more about biking on campus.


Indoor Use Restrictions

Parking, riding, rolling, or storage of bicycles or scooters inside buildings (including porches, entrances, and exit ways) is prohibited.

Riding or rolling skateboards, hoverboards, or roller skates inside buildings is also prohibited.