Community Developments

Every new year is an opportunity to set new goals. No doubt most of us have made resolutions to improve our lives some way in the new year. Perhaps you have set a goal to get healthier, or save a little more for retirement or college this year, or maybe to tread a little more lightly on the planet. Perhaps you just want to challenge yourself to try something new this year.

Making resolutions is easy – the hard part is keeping them. Fortunately, we can all do one thing that can support all these resolutions: take advantage of our transportation options!  Here are some ways that biking, walking, carpooling, and public transit can help keep those 2018 promises:

• I resolve to try something new
  • Use Google Maps’ trip planning tool to look for your closest bus stop.  Just pull up Google Maps on your smartphone or computer and click the bus icon.  You’ll see information about Valley Metro, the Star Line Trolley, and the Smart Way Bus.  

• I resolve to get healthier
  
  • Walk or bike to a neighborhood store instead of driving across town.  
  • If your commute is too long to switch to cycling, consider park-and-biking by driving your bike to a parking area and completing your trip on two wheels.  Submit a Safe Bike Route Request at ridesolutions.org to find the safest route from home to your destination.

• I resolve to save more money
  
  • Carpooling can save you $3,000 a year or more off your commute expenses.  Even carpooling just one day a way cuts your commute costs by 20%.  Sign up for a free match list at ridesolutions.org

• I resolve to be greener
  
  • Every gallon of gas you don’t use saves 20 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, not to mention the other pollutants such as particulates, nitrous oxides, and carbon monoxide that affect air quality right here in the Roanoke Valley.
  • Every mile you don’t drive helps keep the planet and our community cleaner – all while saving you money, helping you get healthier, and providing an excellent reason to explore our community!

 Like any resolutions it’s best to take it slow – pick one day a week to carpool to work, or walk with your family to the neighborhood pizza place, or bike to a friend’s house for dinner. No matter where you’re going in Roanoke, there are lots of ways to get there – and even a small change can have a big impact on your health, pocketbook, and the community.

Visit ridesolutions.org or call 1-866-424-3334 to get started.