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Carpooling emerges as a simple yet effective solution that not only benefits the environment but also offers numerous advantages to commuters. Carpooling is the practice of sharing a ride with others traveling in the same direction and has been gaining popularity as of late. In this blog, we will dive into the benefits of carpooling, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainability and creating a more connected society.

 
Environmental Benefits
•    Carpooling contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. By consolidating multiple passengers into one vehicle, carpooling reduces the overall carbon footprint of transportation. The environmental benefits of carpooling include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, decreased air pollution, and conservation of natural resources.
•    According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. By choosing to carpool, individuals actively participate in combating climate change and creating a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.

Reduced Fuel Costs
•    One of the most apparent benefits of carpooling is the significant reduction in fuel costs. As commuters pool resources and share the expenses of a single vehicle, the financial burden of individual transportation is significantly alleviated. This not only benefits the carpoolers directly but also contributes to a reduction in overall fuel consumption, leading to decreased demand for fossil fuels and subsequently lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
•    According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), carpooling can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually for each participant, depending on the distance and frequency of the commute. These cost savings can be redirected towards other essential expenses, contributing to improved financial stability for individuals and families.

Decreased Traffic Congestion
•    Traffic congestion is a persistent challenge in many urban areas, leading to wasted time, increased stress levels, and negative impacts on air quality. Carpooling plays a crucial role in mitigating these issues by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
•    Carpool lanes, also known as High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, are placed there for all kinds of carpoolers. These lanes can be used exclusively by vehicles with multiple occupants, allowing carpoolers to bypass regular traffic queues and enjoy a smoother, more efficient journey.

Building a Sense of Community
•    Carpooling fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among commuters. Sharing a ride regularly allows individuals to get to know their fellow carpoolers better, creating opportunities for social interaction and networking. In today's fast-paced world, carpooling provides a unique setting for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and even the development of lasting friendships.
•    Moreover, carpooling can strengthen bonds within workplaces, educational institutions, and neighborhoods, as individuals with shared destinations come together for a common purpose. This sense of community not only enhances the carpooling experience but also contributes to a more connected and supportive society.
Looking to Carpool?
•    For carpooling options, we’d suggest you try using RideshareOnline.com or apps for real-time ridesharing such as iCarpool or Scoop. With each of these you can schedule trips one at a time, sharing the cost of the ride with the driver. The cost is based on distance. You can look up who is going your way in more “real time” and see if there is a good option for you.

Earn Rewards for Logging Carpool Trips
•      Already carpooling or looking to start and want to earn rewards? Choose Your Way Bellevue’s trip logging program counts any non-drive-alone trip (including carpooling!) as a trip toward our rewards. Sign up now and begin your first $50 giftcard!

-Choose Your Way staff

Do you work in downtown Bellevue or another area with paid parking? Looking to spend less on parking for work and earn rewards for doing so? Make the choice to park on a daily basis in your garage or lot instead of signing up for monthly parking through your employer. In this blog post, we explore how making your parking choice on a daily basis can save you money on days you don’t need to park - and how it can count as trip logging through Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards! 
 

Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness
•    Public parking garages and lots typically provide flexible payment options, allowing you to choose from hourly or daily based on your needs. This flexibility is particularly useful for anyone who does not come into the office, and therefore does not need to park, every day. This allows you to only pay for the days that you park at work and pocket the money on the days you don’t.

Environmentally and Traffic Friendly
•    Choosing daily parking frees you up to use a non-drive-alone mode on days you don’t need to park without the need to maximize your prepaid investment in parking for the month. This makes it viable to use transit or another mode other than solo driving on the days you are able to do so.  These greener commute trips contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. This means you are not only saving money, but also playing your part in easing strain on the roadways and helping everyone get around more easily.

•    Bonus points if you can use a shared mode on the days you do come in – vanpool is more flexible and suited to a hybrid work schedule than you may realize! Be sure to check out Choose Your Way’s Share the Ride page to learn more!

Stress Reduction
•    You can park on a daily basis without stress associated with finding parking spaces or anxiety about being late to work. Here are some websites to check spots and reserve ahead of time: Parkopedia, ParkMe, and ParkWhiz. 

Earn Sweet Rewards
•    Already doing daily parking or looking to start and want to earn rewards? Choose Your Way Bellevue’s trip logging program counts daily parking as a trip toward our rewards. When daily parking, just go to this form, fill it out, and Choose Your Way Bellevue staff will add the trip to your account!

In conclusion, daily parking presents a multitude of benefits that enhance urban living and positively impact our daily routines. From the convenience and accessibility it offers to the reduction in stress levels and the environmental impact, daily parking solutions are a vital component of modern city life. By embracing these options, we can streamline our daily commutes, support local businesses, and contribute to the creation of sustainable urban spaces for generations to come. So, let's make the choice for daily parking and experience the transformative power it holds in shaping our urban landscapes.

-Choose Your Way staffer Jake
 

Downtown Bellevue is back in action to welcome you and your family to the Bellevue Family 4th event! Getting around may be a challenge. Below are some tips and tricks for beating the crowds and making your travel easier and more sustainable!  

Read on about directions and parking for the Family 4th. 

Bus 

• Take the bus to the Bellevue Transit Center, walk directly west on the pedestrian corridor (Northeast Sixth Street) to Bellevue Way, and walk two blocks south to get to the Downtown Park.  

• Bus use is free for ages 18 and under. 

• Make sure to have your ORCA card loaded with either a pass or e-purse. Bus drivers do not have change so make sure to have exact change. For more fare information along your route and desired travel time follow this link. 

• Plan your return trip: Plan ahead by locating the bay where you will wait to catch a bus back home or to the park and ride, as well as determining when the last bus leaves to get you there. Schedules will be posted at each bay to assist you. 

Cycling  

• Utilize the high-comfort bike lanes southbound on 108th Avenue and westbound on Main Street to get to Bellevue Downtown Park. Use the Bellevue Bike map at www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org/bike  or the bike icon on Google Maps) to help plan your bike trip. 

Carpool 

• Make the most of the open seats in your car, by grabbing some friends and heading to the free parking that is available after 5 p.m. at The Bellevue Collection properties (Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square North, Lincoln Square South and Bellevue Place) 

• Stay up to date on traffic and closures on the City of Bellevue’s website. 

Read here for more information from the City of Bellevue about getting to and from the festivities. 

We’ll see you there! If you take a non-drive-alone option don't forget to log your trips to earn sweet rewards!  

-Choose Your Way Bellevue staffer Jake 

Ride Transit Month is Here! Now is the best time to hop on your neighborhood bus route and give public transit a whirl. 
 

Below is a breakdown of what YOU can do to celebrate transit all month long:

•    Transit Talk Webinar – Participate in an online webinar, hosted by Transportation Choices Coalition! Taking place on Wednesday, June 21, Transit Talk: How Riders Can Shape Transportation will dive into the impact and importance of institutionalized community input on transportation decision making. Sign up here.
•    Pledge To Ride  - Want to show off your transit trips? Sign up online and take the pledge to ride transit at least five times this month. If you want to get even fancier, feel free to post a selfie on social media with the hashtag #letsridewa.
•    Log Your Trips – If you live or work in Bellevue, you can log all of your Bellevue transit trips (and all non-drive-alone trips) during the month of June to win rewards! Learn more and take part in the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards Program now.

For more details, check out the Transportation Choices page.

-Choose Your Way staffer Alex
 

June is Transportation Choices’ Ride Transit Month! All month long, agencies, organizations, and riders across the state will be coming together for fun events and activities as we celebrate transit together. Join in on the fun by celebrating Ride Transit Month! This year’s theme is Let’s Ride, Washington and we hope you will take the pledge and get on board.

For many people, the daily commute is often seen as unproductive time spent stuck in traffic. However, with a little creativity and planning, your transit or vanpool journey can be transformed into a valuable opportunity for personal productivity. In this blog post, we will explore various strategies and tips to help you make the most of your commute time when you’re not driving alone, turning it into a productive and fulfilling part of your day.

1. Set Goals and Prioritize
Before embarking on your transit journey, take a moment to define your goals for the day. What tasks or activities would you like to accomplish? Prioritize them based on urgency or importance. This will provide you with a clear focus and a sense of direction, making your commute more purposeful.

2. Plan Ahead
Utilize your commute time more effectively by planning ahead. If you have a specific project or task in mind, gather the necessary materials, such as documents or reference materials, before you leave home. This preparation will allow you to dive right into your work on the bus or in your vanpool without wasting time searching for resources.

3. Catch up on Reading
One of the simplest ways to make your commute productive is to catch up on your reading. Whether it's books, articles, or industry reports, carrying reading material with you can turn your commute into an opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth. Consider e-books or audiobooks for convenience, or even subscribe to newsletters or podcasts relevant to your interests or profession.

4. Learn a New Skill or Language
Transform your commute into a mobile classroom by using language learning apps or educational podcasts. Whether you're interested in learning a new language, improving your coding skills, or gaining knowledge in a specific field, there are numerous resources available that can help you make progress during your commute.

5. Create a To-Do List or Journal
Take advantage of your commute time to organize your thoughts and tasks. Use a notebook, a task management app, or a digital journal to jot down ideas, create to-do lists, or reflect on your day. This practice not only helps you stay organized but also promotes self-reflection and mindfulness.

6. Listen to Inspiring Content
Make your transit time uplifting and motivational by listening to inspiring podcasts, TED Talks, or audio books. Engaging with positive and thought-provoking content can help spark creativity, provide new perspectives, and keep you motivated throughout the day.

7. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Commuting can often be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Use your transit time as an opportunity to practice mindfulness or meditation. There are numerous apps available that offer guided meditation sessions tailored to various time durations. These practices can help you cultivate calmness, reduce stress, and start your day with a clear and focused mind

8. Log Your Trip to Earn Rewards
Just sit back and relax because through Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards, you can earn $50 gift cards for Hulu, Spotify, Orca, REI, and more by logging your first 25 non-drive-alone trips. 

Your commute doesn't have to be wasted time; it can be transformed into a valuable period of productivity and personal growth. By setting goals, planning ahead, and utilizing the resources available, you can make the most of your transit time and optimize your daily routine. Remember, every minute counts, and with a proactive mindset, you can turn your commute into a productive and fulfilling part of your day. Embrace the possibilities and make your transit journey work for you.

-Choose Your Way staffer Jake
 

In an era where climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats, it becomes increasingly crucial to explore sustainable alternatives for transportation. Bicycling is not only an efficient means of getting around but also offers numerous environmental benefits. This blog delves into the positive impacts of biking on the environment, highlighting how choosing two wheels over four can contribute to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future! 

Reduces Carbon Footprint

Bicycles are a zero-emission mode of transportation, releasing no harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) during operation. In contrast, traditional automobiles are a major contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a primary driver of climate change. By opting for biking instead of driving short distances, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to mitigating climate change.

Decreases Air Pollution

As bicycles rely on human power, they don't emit air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). In urban areas with high vehicular traffic, these pollutants can have severe health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. By choosing biking, we can help alleviate air pollution levels, enhancing air quality and promoting better health for ourselves and our communities.

Conserves Energy

Compared to the energy-intensive process of manufacturing and maintaining automobiles, producing bicycles requires far fewer resources. The energy required to manufacture a single car can produce dozens of bicycles. Additionally, the energy needed to operate a bike is solely human-generated, making it a highly efficient mode of transportation. By cycling, we conserve energy and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite and environmentally damaging.

Preserves Natural Spaces

Expanding road networks and increased urbanization often result in the destruction of natural habitats and ecosystems. Bicycling promotes the conservation of these spaces by reducing the need for additional road infrastructure and parking lots. By creating bike-friendly cities with dedicated cycling infrastructure, we can preserve green spaces and encourage biodiversity within urban environments.

Reduces Noise Pollution

The constant rumble of engines and traffic noise generated by motor vehicles can significantly impact our well-being and disrupt ecosystems. Bicycles, on the other hand, produce minimal noise, promoting quieter and more peaceful surroundings. By choosing biking over driving, we can contribute to a more tranquil environment for ourselves and the communities we inhabit.

The environmental benefits of biking are immense! By choosing bicycles over motor vehicles, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, conserve energy, protect natural spaces, and decrease noise pollution. Embracing cycling as a means of transportation not only benefits the environment but also contributes to our overall health and well-being. So, let's grab our helmets, hop on our bikes, and pedal our way towards a greener and more sustainable future. 

For more information on biking in Bellevue, check out our website! There you can find access to Bellevue bike maps, how-to videos, custom commute signups, and much more! 

-Choose Your Way staffer Jake

Sources: 

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions 
https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-and-health/health-impacts/types-of-pollutants 
https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/community-development/environmental-stewardship/climate-change
https://slate.com/technology/2011/08/how-soon-does-a-bike-pay-back-its-initial-carbon-footprint.html
https://www.environmentalscience.org/roads
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/38/8/550/3056923?login=false

Biking is a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children. Introducing your kids to cycling at a young age can help them develop healthy habits and a love for outdoor activities that will last a lifetime. However, teaching your children to ride a bike and keeping them safe on the road can be a challenging task. Here are some tips to help you introduce your children to the joys of cycling.

 
Start with a balance bike

A balance bike is a small bicycle with no pedals, designed to help children learn balance and coordination. It is a great tool for introducing your child to cycling, as it allows them to focus on the basic skills of balancing and steering without the added complexity of pedaling. Once your child has mastered the balance bike, they can easily transition to a regular bike with pedals.

Invest in the right equipment

When it comes to biking with kids, safety is a top priority. Make sure your child has the right equipment, including a properly fitted helmet, front and back lights, gloves, and comfortable shoes. You should also invest in a good quality bike that is the right size for your child. A bike that is too big or too small can be dangerous and uncomfortable to ride. To ensure a comfortable fit for your child, you can request a bike fitting by a trained staff at one of Bellevue or the surrounding region’s many bike shops. 

Teach basic road safety and bike security

Before hitting the road, teach your child basic road safety rules, such as always wearing a helmet, riding in the same direction as traffic, using hand signals to indicate turns, and stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. You should also teach your child to be aware of their surroundings and to look out for potential hazards, such as cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Go here for a link to Washington state bike laws and safety tips. Also, teach your child how to minimize the likelihood of bike theft. Go here for instructions. 

Start with easy rides

When introducing your child to cycling, start with easy rides on quiet streets or bike paths. This will help build your child's confidence and help them get used to riding in different environments. As your child becomes more comfortable on the bike, you can gradually increase the length and difficulty of the rides. The Bellevue Bike Map is a great resource to see what the streets and trails are like near you! 

Make it fun

Biking with your child should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you. Try to make the rides fun by planning a route that includes interesting sights, such as a park or a playground. You can also pack a picnic and stop for a break along the way. Encourage your child to set goals and challenge themselves, but also be sure to celebrate their accomplishments along the way.

This week is also The Spring 2023 Bellevue SchoolPool Challenge!, which involves a student art contest. Students at participating Bellevue schools are encouraged to use the modes mentioned above to get to and from school, and draw a picture of their trip. Drawings may be selected to be used for future SchoolPool promotions. Click here to see if your school is participating, and if so, watch for the student art contest flyer in your child’s backpack.

Choose Your Way staffer- Jake

Sources:

WSDOT

Washington Area Bicyclists Association 

With the March Service Change right around the corner, you’re probably wondering how bus routes running through and out of Bellevue will be different? Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s coming, starting on March 18.

KING COUNTY ROUTES

• ROUTE 245
  • The Houghton P&R will permanently close on March 18 and Route 245 will no longer serve stop 72314 inside the park–and–ride or operate on 116th Ave NE. Route 245 will operate on NE 70th Pl and serve a new westbound stop on NE 70th Pl just west of 116th Ave NE, stop #72311.

SOUND TRANSIT ROUTES

• ST 550
  • Schedule times will be adjusted to improve on-time performance.
• ST 566
  • Schedule times will be adjusted to improve on-time performance.

For a full breakdown of the March Service Change, you can check out both King County Metro’s and Sound Transit’s pages on the matter.

- Choose Your Way staffer Jake

Sources: Sound Transit and King County Metro

Have you ever wanted a personal, written guide for you to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible? We are here to help! If you want to commute into, out of or within Bellevue using a non-drive-alone mode, we’re the one-stop transportation shop for you. Our services include:

• Transit
  • We’ll provide you with a detailed stop-by-stop commute, listing bus routes that will make your travel the most efficient as possible. Often, we utilize the King County Metro Trip Planner to provide the most up-to-date information on routes and revisions.
• Carpool/Vanpool
  • We’ll give you resources to start a carpool or vanpool using our Choose Your Way Bellevue portal to the RideshareOnline regional ridematching service, or, the Choose Your Way Bellevue Vanpool Widget.
• Biking
  • We’ll help you with using resources like the Choose Your Way Bellevue bike map, which you can download here, and Google Maps.
• More Resources
  • Not only will we give you a detailed commute plan, we’ll also provide you with links and resources for better commuting. This includes access to non-drive-alone information on our website, details on using RideshareOnline, how ORCA works and more!

Of course, remember that you can always go to www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org and click on a transportation mode to learn more about it.

-Choose Your Way staffer Jake

It’s App Time!

If you were ever wondering what it would be like to use the brand new Choose Your Way Bellevue app, “Commuter Carl” is here to help! In this blog post, we’ll dive into a week of commuting and how our brand-new app can help you with all of your Bellevue transportation needs:

Monday
•    Carl needed to take the bus to his hybrid job, so he pulled out his handy dandy app, selected “Actions” on the lower left, and clicked on the Puget Sound Trip Planner to plug in his origin, destination and timing information of find his bus route.
        
 



 
Then he used One Bus Away to find out when his bus would come!

Tuesday
•    Carl wanted to see what biking options were available to him, so clicked on Modes in the bottom menu and selected Bike. After scrolling down just a tiny bit, he saw a link to the most recent Bellevue Bike Map! He pulled up the map by clicking Download, and scrolled around to where he needed to go. This allowed him to successfully maneuver through Bellevue by learning where the city’s bikeways and lower-volume streets were located.

    
Wednesday
•    Carl was curious what carpooling tools were available to use in Bellevue. So he clicked on the bottom menu’s Modes icon again and then clicked “Share the Ride .”
•    By scrolling down just a little, he found the Choose Your Way Bellevue for ridematching, and an infographic telling him how to find a ridematch in the regional RideshareOnline system! He was able to find a carpool to his workplace to try out by the following Wednesday! 
      
Thursday
•    Carl works from home and checks on the status of the homepage thermometer, excited to know that he is doing his part to reach our goals
 

  
Friday
•    As Carl walks, he logs his trips for the week. With a single click he reaches the Choose Your Way Bellevue portal to RideshareOnline by clicking the “Log Trips” icon on the upper right of the app. He hadn’t logged trips in a while so he had forgotten his password, but it was easy to reset it using the app because RideshareOnline is mobile optimized.
      
 


 
•    Once he reset his password, he got busy doing something else and closed the app. Fortunately, his phone kept him logged in. So when he clicked on the app’s calendar icon again, he was immediately taken to the RideshareOnline home page/dashboard. With a click of the blue “Log Trips” button, he was off and running!

    
•    He now knows that he has an easy way to qualify for Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards for using modes other than solo driving, which he also knows helps ease strain on the transportation system. So handy!
 
These are just a few reasons why you should be like Commuter Carl, and download the Choose Your Way Bellevue app today, available on the App Store and Google Play!
 
-Choose Your Way staffers Alex and Jake