Transportation Alternatives

Getting around without a car may seem like a daunting task. There are a number of questions that quickly jump to mind. Can you get where you need when you need to be there? Are you willing to forego the independence you have with a car? What are my options? What are the best routes to take? THis section provides tips and advice to help you answer these questions and assist you in using alternative modes of transportation if possible.  THe benefits of successfully using alternative transportation systems can include improved health and fitness, reduced stress, cost savings, and of course, fewer pollutants entering our water and air.

Self-Propelled Options:

If you live within a mile or so of your destination, consider walking as an alternative to driving. Although not as quick, it is still a cheap and healthy option that will get you where you need to go in about 15 minutes. With 259 miles of sidewalk in Bellingham alone, there’s enough room for everyone to take a walk rather than drive.

Riding a bike is one of the most efficient methods of transportation. Using the many trails and paths throughout the area can be an easy and sometimes more direct way to get to your chosen destination.  For a map of City trials visit http://www.cob.org/parks/parks_trails/trail_guide.htm or Whatcom County trails visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/trails/trails.jsp.

Already a popular option in Whatcom County, biking options should continue to improve with the inclusion of the “Bicycle Plan” in the overall 2003 updated Whatcom County Transportation Plan. The Bicycle Plan was introduced by the Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee and recognizes the need for improving our bike paths and roadways for more bike-friendly commuting and recreation. The more we increase use of our bike trails and paths, the less need there is for building new roads and increasing the amount of impervious surfaces that contribute to pollutants entering waterbodies. For more information on the Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Bicycle Plan.

Ride the Bus or Vanpool:

Riding the bus takes all the worry out of your commute – no gas to buy, you don’t have to wash the bus, and you will never have to change the oil! Letting someone else drive you to work gives you extra time to sleep, read, or just to get your mind ready for the day ahead. At only fifty cents each way, it’s also an inexpensive trip around town. Mass transit methods help to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and therefore the quantity of pollutants in the environment.

Another option provided locally by Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) is vanpooling. With 5 or more riders and a couple of drivers, you can start a vanpool. This option reduces the numbers of cars on the road and reduces the wear and maintenance for your own vehicle. Check out the WTA website (http://www.ridewta.com/) for routes, schedules, and commuter options.

Carpooling:

Single passenger driving, in addition to being inefficient, is also the most costly method of transportation. Joining a carpool group for your commuting needs reduces the number of cars on the road and for those with some scheduling flexibility is a great option for travel to and from work or school. Contact www.rideshareonline.com to find a carpooling partner.

Telecommuting and Flex-Scheduling:

Telecommuting is becoming a popular option in many workplaces. Spending one or two days a week or month working from home works well for those with jobs that do not require constant public contact. Check with your employer to see if this is available for you.

Another option is flex-scheduling. With everyone working from eight to five, this adds more and more vehicles to the road all at the same time. Add to that all the children heading off to school at the same time and the roads in our areas are never empty for two hours each morning and each afternoon. Does the possibility exist for you to work four ten-hour days or to go to work later in the day? Any of these scheduling changes will reduce the amount of traffic on the road at peak times and therefore reduce time spent with an engine idling. This can result in a reduction of pollutants in the air and water.

Commute Trip Reduction:

As of 1991, the State of Washington developed a “Commute Trip Reduction” plan. This plan is required for all businesses with greater than 100 employees and encourages alternative means of getting to work in an effort to clean up our air and water as well as reduce the number of people on the roads. Commuters utilizing alternative options can qualify for discounts and benefits at area businesses for participating in the program.

Here in Whatcom County, if you use an alternative means of commuting just once per week, you qualify as a “Smart Commuter”. To enroll in the program and to receive your discount card or more information visit the Whatcom County Council of Government website at http://www.whatcomctr.org/. 

If use of alternative transportation just will not work for you, try to consolidate the driving you do and reduce the number of repeat trips throughout your day. For example, rather than making a separate trip to town for groceries, pick up your groceries on the way home from work, school, or other errands.