Transportation & Community Design

T.C. Mobility Lab

With your involvement, we can continue working on innovative solutions to tame traffic in Traverse City's downtown and neighborhoods, improving livability and keeping T.C. thriving.

T.C. MOBILITY LAB

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the T.C. Mobility Lab?

The T.C. Mobility Lab is Groundwork’s initiative that explores, fosters community conversation, and tests ways to improve the local transportation system. The program's aim is to maintain our region’s quality of life, build a healthier and more livable community, and keep and attract a productive workforce.

What's the goal of the Mobility Lab?

We’re focused on two complementary goals: reduce vehicles traveling into Traverse City and reduce vehicles traveling within T.C. itself. We believe we can reduce downtown traffic and parking demand by at least 500 cars daily over three years. We're looking at ways to boost our existing transportation options and also exploring how new mobility services could free up parking spaces and give everyday downtown commuters more options for easily getting around.

What new services will you explore?

Based on best practices in other towns and feedback from employers, multiple options are surfacing as initiatives to explore: Private commuter shuttles, a downtown on-demand shuttle, a circulator shuttle, and a bike share program.

How can I get involved?

Sign up for Groundwork's newsletter for updates on T.C. Mobility Lab and ways you can get involved. Also keep an eye out for the Advocate Academy that we co-produce with Norte. A six-week class taught in late winter, the academy teaches strategies and offers advice for dealing with local government on issues like making a town more walkable and bike-able. You may also contact Groundwork Deputy Director, James Bruckbauer.

GET INVOLVED!

Resources

Story: Good policy needed for shared bikes and e-scooters

Story: Lessons from America’s Mobility Innovation Hub

Story: 2020 Advocate Academy

WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?

T.C. Mobility Lab News

Justin Snowden Talks Micro-Mobility in the Motor City

by Jeff Smith | T.C. Mobility Lab

Detroit got us off the sidewalks and into our cars. Now urban planners see the need to reverse that scenario: get people on bikes, e-scooters and on their feet, for the health of our people and our community cohesion. Justin Snowden, chief of Mobility Strategy, City of Detroit shares insight.

Lessons in Small City Mobility: Shared Bikes Get Rolling in Ithaca, New York

by Jake Myers | T.C. Mobility Lab

People in Ithaca, New York, love to walk to work—at a higher per-capita rate than any metro in the nation. Could non-auto commute numbers go even higher with a bike-share program?