Movers

Mark your calendars for Bike to Work and School Day coming up on May 10, 2012. Bike to one of the many free breakfast sites around the county, and dine and socialize with other folks who bike to work or school that day. Who knows…you just might meet someone to be your bike buddy for the rest of the year.

See the Bike 2 Work website for details. The RTC is a major funder of this semi-annual event supporting bicycling throughout Santa Cruz County.

The Sacramento Bee informs us that gas prices are on the rise again, passing the $4 per gallon mark this week. Of course, we are reminded of the high cost of gas every time we visit the pump! Fortunately, you don’t have to fill the tank as often if you carpool, trip chain, ride the bus, bike, and even if you drive alone you can use eco-driving techniques to save gas. Why not take a moment to explore your travel options?

Rideshare Month 2011 ended successfully at the end of October, with great participation from all three counties. Participants reduced over 139,781 Vehicle Miles Traveled, and logged over twelve thousand trips.

Commute Solutions would like to specifically point out for recognition:

• Ecology Action, who claimed the $500 Non-Profit/Community Organization Team Challenge
• Kelsey M., who won the $1000 Individual Challenge for Santa Cruz County
• Jen A. and Michelle G., who each won two tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Everybody who participated in Rideshare Month is a winner, though, because every participant explored their options and witnessed firsthand the benefits of ridesharing.

Take the Rideshare Month approach forward with you through the rest of this year and next, and you will see the benefits of ridesharing. If you need help finding a rideshare option, contact Commute Solutions for assistance.

It’s mid-June. Kids are out of school, finals are over, and time off requests for vacations have been submitted. When making your big plans for the summer, take a few minutes to consider your transportation options.

1. Airport travel – Save money and fuel by using an airport shuttle – it’s like vanpooling, and you don’t have to pay for airport parking the whole time you’re away.
2. Getting around your destination – Instead of renting a car to get around once you arrive, consider using carsharing, renting a bike, or riding public transit.
3. Train trips – Traveling by train can be an adventure in and of itself, rather than just a way to get from place to place. With sleeper cars, you can make comfortable overnight trips, and trains like the Coast Starlight are wonderful ways to see the California landscape.
4. Staycations- Take a vacation without the travel time! Unplug your laptop and head to a restful day at the beach, or go visit your local tourist landmarks that you haven’t bothered to see yet. Mystery Spot or Big Dipper, anyone?
5. Downgrade your adventure vehicle – Instead of going out on motorbikes or 4-wheelers, try mountain biking or hiking. Instead of hitting the lake in a powerboat, use a green canoe or rowboat. You’ll have less impact on the air and wilderness, and your body will thank you for the excercise. Remember the old motto, “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

Gas prices have been volatile this year, spiking up to around $4.25 last month. With fuel so expensive, we’re all looking for good ways to save money on transportation.

Fueleconomy.gov says “gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph”. So the faster you go over the speed limit, the less fuel-efficient your car will be. Fuel efficiency decreases up to 10% for every 5 miles per hour you go over 60. This means that if you cut your speed from 75 to 60, you could save close to a dollar per gallon!

On a 60 mile trip, cutting your speed from 75 to 60 will delay your arrival by 12 minutes, but you will save over $2 in fuel costs!