Why smart commute?

Because you could get 'paid' to bike commute!

On January 1st 2009, qualified transportation fringe benefits [Section 132(f)] will expand to allow up to $20.00 per month for bicycle commuters.

Employers can offer a Commuter Check for Bicycling voucher which makes participation a breeze. Your employer will first need to choose to offer the benefit. Once you sign up with your employer to get the benefit, take the voucher you receive to any dedicated bicycle shop or bicycle parking or storage location to redeem your value. If your purchase is greater than the amount of the voucher you have, you can use multiple vouchers or add value with another credit/debit card.

It's beneficial!

Biking or walking to work or school provides both personal and community benefits. The benefits of green commuting include improved health, economic savings, increased mobility and decreased traffic congestion.

Personal Benefits - Green commuting can improve your health, save money and increase personal mobility.

Improved Health - Bicycling and walking are great ways to squeeze regular exercise into a hectic schedule. Travel time can be used to stay in shape instead of sitting frustrated in traffic.

Economics - Between gasoline, insurance and maintenance, it costs a lot to have a car. Try bicycling, riding the bus, walking or ride-sharing to save some money.

Mobility - Even the most powerful sport utility vehicle crawls in congested traffic. Parking a car can be a time consuming (and sometimes expensive) hassle, but you can bike quickly and park close to your destination.

Community Benefits - Green commuting provides many community benefits (by reducing traffic) and it is good for the environment.

I Would Bike or Walk To Work But...
Often misconceptions about biking or walking dissuade people from trying a green commute. The following information addresses some of the common "myths" about biking (or walking) to work.

It takes too long......Myth
Fact - Cycling in urban areas generally takes less time than driving and parking for trips of three miles or less. Some people utilize time spent walking to and from work as a form of relaxation.

I can't ride because of the weather......Myth
Fact - New cyclists usually start in fair weather. Experienced cyclists find that rain and cold weather can be addressed with proper clothing. Smart Commute Week in Traverse City is held in June to take advantage of wonderful summer weather.

Traffic makes it unsafe to walk or bike.....Myth
Fact - If you obey traffic laws and ride visibly and predictably, you are at no greater risk cycling than driving a car. By following pedestrian rules and utilizing pedestrian crosswalks, your walk to work can be safe and carefree.

There is no place to park my bike.....Myth
Fact - You can always find somewhere to park your bike, normally very close to your destination. Traverse City has many designated bike parking areas throughout downtown. At work, you may be able to ask your employer to provide covered, secure parking or bring your bike inside.

I'm too out of shape to walk or bike to work....Myth
Fact - This is one of the reasons to bike or walk to work. Walking is an excellent way of getting exercise, and can be very practical for short trips. Cycling is less strenuous than walking and you will gain fitness as you ride regularly.

I can't bike, my job requires professional attire....Myth
Fact - Some bike commuters ride in dress clothes, some ride in casual attire and change at work.

I can't bike or walk, there's no shower at work, what if I'm sweaty.....Myth
Fact - Most bike commuters don't need a shower at work. Green commuting by bike (or walking) is generally not a sweaty affair.

10 Steps to Riding Your Bicycle to Work

Gear up. Get your bicycle checked out and tuned up if it's been awhile since you've ridden it. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If they are low, it will make riding more difficult.

Select a route. Many local rideshare agencies or bicycle coalitions have bike route maps, or consult a detailed map like Google maps or the Thomas Guide.

Take a short cut. Pedal as far as the bus or rail stop, then store your bicycle or take it on board.

Consider a bike buddy. It can often be safer to ride as a pair, and it's more fun. Many local rideshare agencies have lists of cyclists that live and work near you.

Do a test run. In your car, drive the bicycle route and look for things like wide lanes, bicycle lanes and traffic flow.

Learn the rules of the road. A bicycle is a vehicle and you should follow the rules.

Put safety first. Buy a helmet approved for bicycling and wear it.

Assess your fitness level. If you haven't had much exercise lately, you might want to check with your physician before you ride.

Talk to your employer. Your company may offer benefits, showers, changing facilities, bicycle storage for cyclists. Rolling clothes to carry them in a bag doesn't prevent wrinkles. If it's important, drive Mondays with clothes for the week. Remind your boss that 80 percent of bicycle commuters improve their heart and lungs in eight weeks, resulting in less sick time and lost work, according to a study by the advocacy group, Transportation Alternatives.

Bicycle to work! Bicycling takes about the same amount of time as driving a car to work if you live within 10 miles of work.

Other tips:

Stay dry. When it's hot out, you don't want a messenger bag on your back. Try quick-release saddlebags that attach easily.

Tape your frame for visibility. Apply easy-to-remove electrical tape to your frame, then stick reflector tape to the electrical tape.

Use your ears. You can often tell if a car driver sees you by the pitch of the tires and engine.

Avoid burnout. Don't feel guilty. Take a day off from bicycle commuting once in a while.

Join clubs/coalitions. You never know what a bicycle club might be doing that will benefit your riding, even if you don't bicycle commute.

Don't cycle on an empty stomach. You will need energy for your ride, so eat a good breakfast and take along something to eat along your way.

Take it easy on your first day. The first time you bicycle to work, allow yourself a little more time than you think you will need

So give it a try, there are so many benefits and reasons to try the smart commute!

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