Blog

Have you ever wondered how much life could change if you didn’t have to worry about paying for a car? The monthly car payments, gas, insurance, and maintenance fees can really add up. In its 2024 Your Driving Costs study, AAA says average ownership costs for a new vehicle driven 15,000 miles annually is $12,297 a year, or $1,024 a month! 

At Choose Your Way Bellevue, we’re all about exploring better, greener, and more budget-friendly ways to get around town. So, we thought it would be fun to imagine all the amazing things you could do without spending so much on your car. Ready to dream big? Let’s go! 

1. Buy a Bike (or Two!) 

Swap out your four wheels for two! A brand-new bike and all the gear could be yours—plus, you'll save on gas, help the environment, AND stay fit! The average first-time e-bike costs around $2,000, according to ebicycles.com. 

2. Take a Spontaneous Weekend Trip by Boat or Train 

With all that extra cash, you could treat yourself to a quick getaway! One option is to take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, with fares ranging from $82-209 for a one-way ticket. If Portland is more your vibe, take the Amtrack from Seattle for a one-way ticket for anywhere between $21-100. 

3. Upgrade Your Public Transit Game

Get an unlimited ORCA card for $100 a month and hop on the bus, light rail, or even carpool. Spend less time stressing about traffic and more time enjoying podcasts, books, or people-watching! 

4. Spoil Yourself with Fancy Coffee 

Imagine indulging in a daily latte or artisanal coffee without guilt. Your car-free savings have got you covered, and as long as you have a lid over your beverage, bring it on your transit travel! 

5. Plan a Big Adventure 

Dreaming of international travel? Your car-free lifestyle could help fund a trip to explore new cities—without worrying about parking fees, of course. Bellevue has a new airport shuttle service that can take you to and from the airport for $30 each way. Grab a roundtrip flight to Sydney for around $1500 and stay at a hostel for four nights for $360. You still will have saved money from not owning a car! 

6. Invest in a Good Pair of Walking Shoes 

Ditch the gas station for some fresh air! A comfortable, stylish pair of walking shoes will make your strolls around Bellevue even more enjoyable. 

7. Get a Year-Long Fitness Membership 

With the money you save on car payments, why not join that fitness class or yoga studio you’ve been eyeing? Bonus: a great way to make new friends, stay active, and improve health and wellbeing. 

8. Treat Yourself to Many Nights Out 

Use your extra funds for dinner and a show in downtown Bellevue. There are tons of great restaurants, and with public transit, biking, or walking, you never have to worry about finding parking. If you choose not to own a car, you can go out 10 times a month for $100!

 9. Start a New Hobby 

Always wanted to learn how to throw pottery, or maybe try your hand at painting? Now’s your chance to invest in a creative hobby! Take a 10-week pottery class in Bel-Red District for $495! 

10. Host a Potluck Party 

With less stress about car repairs, you’ll have more mental energy to throw a fun get-together. Invite your friends and neighbors over for a cozy evening of food and fun. 

11. Donate to Your Favorite Cause

Feel like spreading the love? Use a portion of your savings to donate to a charity or cause close to your heart. 

12. Create a Chic Outdoor Space 

No need for a carport anymore! Transform that area into a beautiful outdoor hangout space with fairy lights, comfy seating, and a fire pit. 

13. Take Up Gardening 

Without worrying about car expenses, you can start growing your dream garden! Whether it's herbs, flowers, or veggies—get your green thumb ready. 

14. Save the Environment 

Last but not least, by ditching your car or going car-light by reducing the number of cars in your household, you’re making a real difference in reducing your carbon footprint. It’s one small change for you, but one giant step for the planet! 

There you have it—14 reasons why life could be even more exciting (and relaxing!) without a car. Plus, with so many convenient and sustainable ways to get around Bellevue, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner! Did you know that you can also be rewarded for all your sustainable travel?! You will earn a $50 gift card to REI, Hulu, Spotify ($60) or a $50 ORCA card for logging your first 25 non-drive-alone trips on ChooseYourWayBellevue.org ! So, what will you do with your extra car-free savings? Let us know in the comments!

Walking—it's one of the easiest ways to get around, and Bellevue has some of the most walkable and scenic spots in the region! Not only is walking great for the environment and your health, but it also gives you the chance to explore all the hidden gems and beautiful destinations Bellevue has to offer. What better time than fall with the changing colors and crisp air to explore. So, lace up your sneakers, because here are some of the best places to visit while walking in Bellevue! 

1. Bellevue Downtown Park 

This iconic park is the perfect urban oasis for walkers. With a beautiful 21-acre lawn, a half-mile circular promenade, and a stunning 240-foot-wide waterfall, it’s no wonder that Bellevue Downtown Park is a favorite walking destination. Take in the views of the city skyline while enjoying the peaceful ambiance, play with one of the many dogs frolicking there, and maybe even stop by for a coffee or picnic afterward! 

2. Bellevue Botanical Garden 

For a truly picturesque walk, head over to the Bellevue Botanical Garden. This 53-acre garden offers a mix of lush greenery, colorful blooms, and serene trails. Whether you’re wandering through the Yao Japanese Garden or admiring the native plants in the Pacific Northwest Garden, walking here feels like a mini getaway into nature—right in the heart of Bellevue! 

3. Meydenbauer Bay Park 

Meydenbauer Bay Park is perfect if you're looking to stroll by the water. This scenic park, nestled along the shores of Lake Washington, offers beautiful walking paths, a beach area, and a dock. The gentle breeze and calming views of the lake make it a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, whether you’re enjoying the sunset or getting some fresh air in the morning. 

4. Kelsey Creek Farm Park 

Love nature and animals? Kelsey Creek Farm Park is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored on foot. As you walk along the park’s peaceful trails, you’ll encounter forests, pastures, and—best of all—farm animals! Kids and adults alike love spotting sheep, chickens, and rabbits. The park's trails connect with other parks, giving you plenty of options for longer walks. 

5. Mercer Slough Nature Park 

For a longer, more adventurous walk, Mercer Slough Nature Park is a must-visit. Spanning 320 acres, this park offers a network of walking trails through wetlands, forests, and fields. The park’s elevated boardwalks and scenic waterways are perfect for a peaceful nature walk, complete with the chance to spot wildlife like herons, turtles, and otters. 

6. Coal Creek Natural Area 

If you're in the mood for a forested escape, the Coal Creek Natural Area offers miles of trails through beautiful woodlands. The Coal Creek Trail is a favorite among walkers and hikers, winding through lush greenery, alongside babbling creeks, and past the remnants of old coal mining structures. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature without having to leave the city! 

7. Lake Hills Greenbelt 

The Lake Hills Greenbelt features a 3-mile trail system that takes you through wetlands, forests, and community gardens. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk, especially if you want to see native plants and wildlife. The trail connects Phantom Lake and Larsen Lake, offering serene views of the water and surrounding nature. 

8. Old Bellevue 

If you prefer a more urban walk with lots of charm, take a stroll through Old Bellevue. Located along Main Street, this historic neighborhood is full of boutique shops, trendy cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to window-shop, grab a bite to eat, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this cozy part of town. 

9. Crossroads Park 

Crossroads Park is a fantastic place for family-friendly walking. With wide, paved paths that loop around the park, it's easy to explore the park’s open spaces, playgrounds, and community gardens. There’s always something happening at Crossroads, from local performances at the nearby shopping center to community events. 

10. Wilburton Hill Park 

For those looking for a bit of everything—open fields, wooded areas, and playgrounds—Wilburton Hill Park offers a variety of walking paths through its 105-acre green space. It’s Bellevue’s largest upland park, and it connects to the Bellevue Botanical Garden, so you can easily extend your walk into a beautiful garden adventure. 

11. Chism Beach Park 

For a bit of exercise, walk up a moderately steep hill that includes an off-road pedestrian path, and meander through a forested trail with stairs to arrive at Chism Beach Park. Located on the shores of Lake Washington, this waterfront park features a dock, picnic and play areas, restrooms, and large picnic areas suitable for group events or weddings.  

Visit Burrows Cabin while at Chism Beach! 

Ready to walk even more? 

Walking in Bellevue is not only a sustainable and healthy way to get around, but it’s also an opportunity to enjoy friendly chats face to face with neighbors and strangers alike, and experience the city’s beautiful parks, scenic trails, and charming neighborhoods firsthand. Whether you're looking for a short, leisurely stroll, commuting to work, or running errands, Bellevue has something for every type of walker. 

So, the next time you’re ready to stretch your legs and explore, leave the car behind and try walking to one of these fantastic destinations! You'll feel more connected to the community, save money, and reduce your environmental impact—all while enjoying the beauty of Bellevue. Don’t forget that you can log those walking trips for transportation purposes to earn rewards! More info can be found at https://chooseyourwaybellevue.org/rewards 

Did you know the Park and Rides are a great way to visit Bellevue attractions sustainably? Watch for more information, and be sure to log your trips to earn rewards for non-drive-alone trips!

Welcome back to our series, 2 Line GO! We explore different attractions, shopping, and nature experiences in Bellevue that you can access from the 2 Line. We hope you enjoy it! If you are a Bellevue business close to the 2 Line, email us at info@cywb.org if you want to be featured⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We will do our best to highlight everyone who emails us!

Now enjoy Mercer Slough!

TMD Week is September 16-20th! What is TDM and why is it important? Glad you asked!  

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) uses strategies to inform and encourage travelers to maximize our transportation system’s efficiency, leading to improved mobility, reduced congestion, and lower vehicle emission levels. TDM aims to provide all people with transportation options that enable them to travel in an affordable, efficient, sustainable, and even more enjoyable way.   

According to the Association of Commuter Transportation (ACT),  some effective TDM strategies can include: 

• Employer access to the federal Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit for employee commute expenses (i.e. pre-tax purchasing, subsidies) 

• Incentives (gift cards, no-cost transit passes etc.) and gamification 

• Strategic pricing of parking, tolls, transit etc. for the purpose of encouraging non-drive alone trips 

• Carpooling and vanpooling 

• Trip planning & ridematching 

• Parking management and pricing 

• Use of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV)/High-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes 

• Promotion and support of telecommuting, remote & hybrid work schedules 

• Marketing, outreach, and education to inform people about sustainable transportation options 

• Support of bicycle & pedestrian infrastructure and programming (i.e. an office bicycle-share program). 

   

Governor Inslee has proclaimed September 16-20 as Transportation Demand Management Awareness Week! Part of the proclamation below states that “all residents are encouraged, when possible, to consider an alternative commute option and support local TDM initiatives within their communities to reduce congestion, reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality...” 

At Choose Your Way Bellevue, are proud to be working on TDM initiatives in Bellevue. We hope you join us in celebrating everything that TDM offers our city! Find more information on the Choose Your Way Bellevue program and how we can help you travel affordably, efficiently, sustainably, and enjoyably at https://chooseyourwaybellevue.org 

With the August/September service change reflecting the new light rail lines and scheduling changes, you're probably wondering how transit routes running in Bellevue will differ. Here's a quick breakdown of what's happening.

2 Line  South Bellevue-Redmond  

• We are adjusting the schedule to accommodate pre-revenue activities and simulated service between Downtown Redmond and Redmond Technology stations. 

Route 554  Issaquah-Seattle

• This route is using Eastgate P&R Bay 1, instead of East P&R Freeway Station.

Route 556  Issaquah-University District

• This route is using Eastgate P&R Bay 1, instead of East P&R Freeway Station.

Welcome to our new series, 2 Line GO! We will explore different attractions, shopping, and nature experiences in Bellevue that you can access from the 2 Line. We hope you enjoy it! If you are a Bellevue business close to the 2 Line, email us at info@cywb.org if you would like to be featured⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We will do our best to highlight everyone who emails us!