Markeshia Ricks Photo
Fay at the Car-less Challenge kick-off.
Kathy Fay biked to City Hall Wednesday to help launch the third year of New Haven’s car-less commuting challenge — because, she said, she knows firsthand the joy that comes from walking and cycling to and from her job.
“I crave the decompression time,” she said. “It really has changed my life.”
Fay works as the Home Improvement and Energy Conservation Lab manager for Neighborhood Housing Services. She started tapping into that joy when NHS joined the first Go New Haven Go CarFree challenge back in 2014 as a participating organization.
Fay biked downtown Wednesday to join officials on the steps of City Hall in launching the third year of the challenge and the use of alternative transportation for the month of September.
Participants sign up for the challenge and then keep track of how they get to work in September. Employers and individual commuters compete in different size categories. The most trips that involve alternatives to single-car-occupancy commuting — biking, bus-riding, walking, ride-sharing — bring prizes sponsored by local businesses.
New Haven’s air gets a little cleaner: 2015’s 483 participants reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 74.12 tons by saving 52,055 car-driving miles, according, to the city.
And people feel lighter: Participants burned 587,785 calories and saved $87,399.
The goal is that more people like Fay continue commuting that way all year.
Fay said that the challenge did exactly what it was designed to do: It changed her behavior.
“I have participated since 2014, and I am so much healthier now,” she said. “I didn’t just participate during the month. I actually changed my lifestyle. So now, I walk and bike to work almost every day.”
Fay said when she walks, she sees more of her neighbors, the changing seasons and New Haven’s urban nature.
“It’s a truly an enriching experience,” she said. “If you take the bus, you’ll see a lot more of your neighbors, plus you do walking in between. And finally for me personally, when I bike, I just feel so great. I end up tapping back into that energy I had as a kid, riding the bike, feeling free. It’s made me feel so much younger. Just for that experience alone it’s been worth it. So, go New Haven go!”
Hausladen: There’s more to come.
City transit chief Doug Hausladen said that participants in the challenge, which include individuals, businesses and other organizations around town, have already exceeded last year’s numbers with 550 signed up so far. The challenge is just that, a competition, that includes perks and prizes for those who reduce their environmental impact the most.
“The more people who sign up, the better our environment will be, the better our sustainable transportation will be, and of course, the more money that each and every one of you will save on your commute,” he said. “We’re not asking you to not step foot in a car all month, but take these opportunities where you can walk to work. Try the bus system.”
Harp: Let’s honor the Elm City legacy.
One of the perks of signing up for the challenge is that you can contact CTrides, a state Department of Transportation program that encourages the use of public transit. The program can create a custom commute plan to help you navigate the trip from your house to work. If you do that, you can get a free 10-ride bus pass to use for the month.
Coby Zeifman, outreach coordinator for CTrides, said that other perks include free fries with burger purchases at Shake Shack and discounts at other area restaurants like Ashley’s, Atticus, the Juice Box, Thali and Thali Too.
Hausladen said in addition to all the prizes, weekly Friday events will encourage the use of alternative transportation.
Though the challenge ends at the end of September, another initiative — Walktober — will kick off the following month. Businesses like Denali and SeeClickFix (whose CEO hoofs it to work already) will host the walks. Hausladen said in coming weeks the city will announce the results of a $1 million bus study and also make an announcement about a bike-share program that is coming to the city.
Krysia Solheim, program manager for Go New Haven Go, signing people up Wednesday.
Mayor Toni Harp said the September Go NewHaven Go challenge isn’t an all-or-nothing deal. But she said if you must use a car, invite some co-workers or friends along for the ride. Combine errands into a single trip instead of making multiple trips.
“Think about it,” she said. “Shared rides in a carpool reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent just with the first passenger.”
She urged the public to honor New Haven’s environmental attributes — its coastline, three rivers and parkland that covers 20 percent of the city — and its “legacy of environmental awareness and stewardship.”
“Let’s advance that legacy this next month by embracing the goals of Go New Haven Go’s CarFree Challenge. Let’s recommit ourselves to New Haven with cleaner air, healthier residents and a more sustainable transportation system going forward.”
(Just sayin’: The Independent, where no one drives to work, won first place last year in the small business category.)
Hausladen: There's more to come
Take back New Haven Doug Hausladen at it again.Drivers we must wake up.There is more to come.I bet this is what will be coming. Red light Cameras.More Police enforcement on Car Drivers.Parking Meters going up.More Bike lanes.
Though the challenge ends at the end of September, another initiative — Walktober — will kick off the following month. Businesses like Denali and SeeClickFix (whose CEO hoofs it to work already) will host the walks. Hausladen said in coming weeks the city will announce the results of a $1 million bus study and also make an announcement about a bike-share program that is coming to the city.
Bike-Share program alright. This will be your Bike-Share program coming soon and will take away parking spaces.
Citi Bike plans to expand to the Upper East and West Sides
http://nypost.com/2015/01/28/citi-bike-plans-to-expand-to-the-upper-east-and-west-sides/
Why don't we all just turn in our car keys to the vampire bicycle lobby? That way you will give up your car and ride a bike.