Who smart commutes?

I ride my bike everywhere within reason. Late March of 2008 I decided I would try to make it an entire year without driving to work. I rode every day with exception to a few that I carpooled or ran because the streets weren't clear enough. My car suffered from a dead battery and mechanical issues from sitting too long.

I walk to and from work every day; I used to live over a mile away but have moved within 2 blocks from Hagerty.

If there is one thing to do with your bicycle, it's to ride it to work. No traffic, great exercise, fresh air plus an infinite amount of miles per gallon. What's not to love? I've been pedaling to work since 2000 and Traverse City is the most bike friendly city I've ever lived in.

So friendly in fact, that I gave up my drivers license when my family and I moved here in '06. I take great pride in teaching my boys that there is a simpler, cleaner and more efficient way of getting from point A to point B than the automobile.

I'm lucky to have the TART near both my home and workplace so I ride it daily. Rain or shine. Snow or not. Just remember, there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing decisions!

-Ty Schmidt, Physical Therapist at Munson Community Health Center

A couple years ago, when the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) opened its downtown Traverse City terminal and expanded its routes, my Up North life took a big leap for the better. I'd always figured I'd pretty well hacked out a good life here in the Northwoods-a house with a view of Sleeping Bear Bay (okay, from the driveway) and a job doing what I love in downtown Traverse City. But that winter commute really started wearing on me.

So when I heard that BATA was planning a direct line from Leelanau County to the new terminal in Traverse City-three blocks from my office-I took notice. Think of it: hop on a bus in front of Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor and it whisks you to Front Street, no turning down driveways and dirt roads to make a 45 minute drive into a two-hour trek as BATA's regular buses do. George Jetson's aerocar Up North-style. Read more...
-Elizabeth Edwards, Traverse Magazine

I had forgotten how tranquil the early mornings are outside of my vehicle, the quiet of the countryside, the fresh air and cool breezes, the mist lifting off the water as the sun creeps over the hills and starts to warm the morning air...a totally different perspective toward the typical start of a day.
--Shayrrl McCready, M-TEC Admin Assistant at Northwestern Michigan College

I get around the 'don't want to arrive to work sweaty' excuse by taking the BATA Cherriot for part of my ride in the morning. I keep my bike ride short and sweet in the AM, and enjoy the great ride home after work. Its a wonderful way to begin and end my day!
--Diane Budzynowski, Ophthalmic Technician at Traverse City Eye

Biking to work? That's easy! Fun and enjoyable. Enough said. Now getting the kids to school or daycare AND biking to work? I initially thought this would be tough but have found a great compromise. Because taking them in the Chariot/Burley down Center road in the morning seemed risky with drivers whizzing by to work, I discovered:
1. Throwing my bike on the rack
2. Driving the kids to day care
3. Parking the car there for the day
4. Bike to work and then bike back to the car at day care to take them home
Biking in town during busy times is actually FASTER and for those not feeling safe biking on the busy roads to TC, Give it a try!
--Doug Spence, physician, Creekside Clinic

I walk to and from work every day. It equates to 10 miles per week for 50 weeks which amounts to 500 miles annually for the next 17 years. It's hard to believe I only have 8,500 miles left to go until retirement!
--Don Dunscombe, Disability Examiner, Social Security Disability.

There must be dozens of people going from Traverse City to Interlochen each morning. I'd like to see how large we could make the pool. Maybe have a schedule similar to a bus service with departure and arrival times.
--Peter Payette, Interlochen Public Radio News Director, Interlochen Center for the Arts

I ride BATA regularly through the winter when bicycling is not possible. Using BATA allows my family to use our resources more effectively so that we only need two cars in a four-driver family. It requires communication and flexibility for everyone - great traits for us to improve. The ride home provides some good decompression time and I do not have to deal with the traffic.
--Craig Mulder, Executive Director of Learning Resources & Technologies, Northwestern Michigan College

Because I walk to work, I was able to justify buying an iPod. I consider it my 'car stereo.'
--Rob Hughes, creative producer at Dog Butterfield, Inc., an animation company

I consider walking to work one of life's luxuries. While walking to work is not considered 'normal' in the car culture we live in, I find it relaxing and enjoyable. It gives me time to reflect on my day and on what makes my life enjoyable. Living in a community that embraces the concept of walkability is truly a blessing. Taking the extra time to walk allows me to downshift life's pace and provides me an opportunity to experience and enjoy more of the world around me much more than when I have to drive.
--John Welch, Managing Director, Financial Investment Management Group

I consider bicycle commuting to work one of the great benefits of living and working in Traverse City - even if the weather doesn't always cooperate. My car vs. bike commute time isn't much different. In fact, with summer traffic, I'm sure my bike ride is a little faster. It's great that you save a little gas money and get some exercise but mostly, I commute to work because it's a very enjoyable way to start and finish my work day.
--Eric Okerstrom, Senior Manager, Hagerty Insurance

I look forward to my morning bicycle commute. I feel the fresh air in my face as I coast down my street. When I hit the trail, I check to see how many ducks are swimming in the river while keeping a watchful eye for the squirrels that are scurrying about a few feet from me. Occasionally, I see the excitement of someone catching a fish as I glide over the trail on top of the Union Street Dam. Before long, I'm at my desk all refreshed from my morning commute. What a great way to start the day.
--Russ Soyring, City of Traverse City planner

The staff at Gourdie Fraser always looks forward to participating in the Commuter Cup Challenge. For us, the program has been beneficial in many ways. Whether people begin carpooling or biking to work, it has helped boost company morale and encourage more non-work related discussions. The Commuter Cup Challenge allows our employees a chance to band together as we vie for the esteemed cup. It helps that we have a competitive bunch here... and we are always up for a challenge.
--Leslie Sickterman, planner at Gourdie Fraser, a local engineering firm

I have been carpooling with a colleague from Interlochen for nearly a year. We both live in Traverse City a few blocks apart and work about a 1/2-mile away from each other. We have 1-car households, and sharing the car allows others in our families to have the vehicle when they need it. Sure, it takes a little forethought and planning, but in the end it just makes sense."
--Michael Slawnik, Data Analyst, Interlochen Center for the Arts

It has been exciting to see the momentum of Smart Commute Week build over the past 10 years. What began with a handful of participants and what seemed to be a radical idea has developed into a more mainstream lifestyle practice. Now a diverse group of commuters are interested in walking, carpooling, transit and biking 12 months of the year. The hope is to continue to grow and have more people join in on the fun.
--Laura Otwell, original founder of Traverse City Smart Commute Week

PREVIOUS PAGE SMART COMMUTE TC HOME PAGE TART HOME PAGE