Traverse City Smart Commute Week :: Find out about Smart Commute Week TC!

Find out about Smart Commute Week TC!

What is Smart Commute Week?

The goal of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative ways to get around town. Smart commuting includes bicycling, walking, carpooling or taking BATA. The purpose of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative transportation and to educate area residents of the benefits of a smart commute. Smart commuting includes many benefits for your health, for the environment and for your pocket book. Smart Commuting increases our mobility with less pollution.

Do you want to host a similar event in your community?

Learn more about the Traverse City event and how to host a similar event in your town.

Download the Smart Commute Cookbook [1.2 MB Adobe PDF]

This cookbook is a document intended to guide other communities that are interested in hosting a local Smart Commute event. Smart Commute Week is a program that encourages 'smart' transportation including: walking, biking, carpooling, using public transportation, or any other form of transportation that does not include driving alone.

TART Trails hopes this cookbook will equip other municipalities with the tools and know-how to coordinate such an event. Spreading the joys of smart commuting to others is our main objective.

Click here to read about an effort by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness to take Smart Commute Week statewide.

Bicycle Commuting Classes

Classes are again offered this year to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to ride your bike on the road. The classes will be taught by League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor, Reuben Chapman. Courses will include 2-hours of classroom instruction and 1-hour of on-road training. Course dates and times are Saturday, May 12, from 2-5 p.m. and Thursday, June 14, from 4-7 p.m. at Scholars Hall, Rm. 101 on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. The courses are offered free of charge.

How can I participate?

Anyone can participate in the Smart Commute Week. You can choose any alternative to driving alone for your trip to work (walking, biking, in-line skating, BATA, carpooling).

Looking for someone to share a ride with?

Check out the Northern Michigan Transportation Alliance Ride Share, offered through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, at www.nwm.org/nmtaride.asp.

What if my coworkers or employees would like to smart commute to work?

Companies or organizations that would like to participate together during Smart Commute Week can take part in the Commuter Cup Challenge. Find out more about the challenge by following this link Commuter Cup Challenge.

Work at home? Retired? Running errands?

Join us for the daily breakfasts and other events throughout the week.

What events and activities are planned for Smart Commute Week?

Many activities are planned for Smart Commute Week in Traverse City. Events such as the free commuter breakfasts, the commuter cup challange or the group ride in downtown TC promote the spirit of smart commuting and will occur throughout the community. To find out more about the scheduled events for Smart Commute Week follow this link Schedule & activities.

Why Should I Bike or Walk to Work?

Biking or walking to work 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.

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