Grand Rapids 2030 District Embraces Active Commute Week
On your morning commute into work last Friday, you may have noticed “Pit Stops” offering treats and services to commuters. These pit stops were hosted by local organizations in celebration of Active Commute Week.
Organizations including Mobile GR, The Greater Grand Rapid Bicycle Coalition and the Grand Rapids 2030 District support Active Commute Week from June 11th to June 15th. #ACW encourages individuals to ditch the single-passenger vehicle model by committing to mobility options like biking, walking, or busing.
Everyone enjoys a healthy competition and ACW Winners receive awards for logging ‘active’ trips in good spirit at the Handlebar Happy Hour. Donated prizes included two round trip tickets to Mackinac Island with overnight accommodations, complimentary memberships at local museums and various gift certificates from local retailers.
This year marks the 6th year of Active Commute Week celebration. Participation has grown each year and in 2018 reached 600 participants including more than 300 first timers.
Check out the fun video recap of the 2018 celebration:
Ways to Get Involved
Promoting active forms of transportation creates a more wholesome and vibrant community. Walkable and interconnected neighborhoods allow patrons to experience their city in a new way and can result in an increase of revenue dollars for businesses.
Active mobility is key to a healthier lifestyle. Air pollution is reduced through the reduction of motor vehicles, and the City’s reduced carbon footprint benefits everyone.
Log your hours of alternative commuting to record the difference you are making for your community. Green Rides is a fantastic local resource though West Michigan Rideshare. The Rapid’s online rideshare matching program allows you to create a commute profile to find matches for carpooling, biking, and walking.
If you use an alternative to driving alone at least once a week, you’re eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. It’s a program which reimburses your taxi or rental car home from work on a day in case of an emergency on a day that you used alternative transportation!
Mark your calendars for June of 2019 as Active Commute Week.
Are you a organization looking to get more involved with Active Commute Week? Learn more here.
Do you use already use public transit, carpool or other types of wheels to work? Log your miles here. Check out the Downtown Commuter Resource Guide.
Written by Gillian Giem, USGBC-WM Staff