Green Commute Week

• Posted on 10 September 2023
• By KW
• 0

Even though today's weather isn't very conducive to the idea, we are marking the start of another Green Commute Week, sponsored by the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.  What is Green Commute Week, you ask?  Well, according to the MACC...

"Green Commute Week is a community event in the Holland and Zeeland areas that encourages individuals, schools, and organizations to reduce emissions by adopting "green" commuting practices such as biking, walking, taking the bus, or ride-sharing. The event offers incentives like prizes for participants at local bike shops and other local businesses. By choosing alternative transportation options throughout the week, participants contribute to environmental sustainability, save money, and improve personal and community health. This week-long event encourages more people to participate and engage in environmentally-friendly transportation activities. The ultimate goal is to inspire long-term behavior change and encourage individuals to use greener transportation options beyond the event period."

So this is your opportunity to do some BIKE COMMUTING!!  How far is the drive to work for you?  How LONG is it?  Maybe there's a nice route you can take that will allow you to have a pretty efficient ride that doesn't take as long as you thought it would.  My trip to the shop from the south side of Holland is a little over 6 miles; depending on the traffic light timing, it takes me anywhere from 14 - 18 minutes for the drive.  I can do the same distance on the bike in around 30, which isn't bad at all, really.  I get some fresh air, some exercise, and it's really only about 10 minutes longer than in the car.  Totally doable, and usually pleasant.  You'd think I would do it more, but that is a discussion for another day.  (It's really not.  We are literally talking about bike commuting right now...)

What kind of things stand in the way of a bike ride to work?  For me there's not much: work shift starts at 10:00, it's only 6 miles, and I have a pretty good workaround for the regular car route - of the six miles, only about 1-2 are in traffic, and those are made up of small sections at a time.  You might be able to figure out something similar.  Where are there bike paths if there is a heavily-trafficked area on your drive?  Maybe some neighborhood streets in the same vicinity will get you there?

What if you physically can't ride to work, though?  Like it's a 30-mile trip each direction, or there's no way to avoid the highway on a bike?  Maybe there are other ways to save yourself some gas money.  Would it be possible, for instance, to do public transit?  Or maybe you split the trip and take the bus part way and ride your bike the rest?  Most city buses have bike racks on the front in order to make this happen.  

How about an e-bike?  Whether a pedal-assist setup (Class 1) or one with a throttle, an e-bike will still have a better impact on the environment than a gas-powered vehicle.  A pedal-assisted e-bike ride will also help you avoid being all sweaty and in need of a shower when you arrive for your workday.  (You will find that many Holland-Zeeland area employers also offer shower facilities for just such an occasion.)  An e-bike will help you go a longer distance as well.

OK, we've covered whether or not you can get to work on a bike, but what about other places?  Heading to the post office to drop off a letter?  Jump on your bike.  Grocery store to pick up a few things?  Maybe a bike ride.  Saturday morning to watch the youngsters play soccer?  FAMILY bike ride!

Now that we've encouraged you to ride your bike for every facet of your daily existence, you know we're going to talk about equipment, right?  Because there is, of course, equipment that will make these commutes easier.  And we do sell stuff, so...

Here are some recommendations for a successful and safe commute:

 - a good HELMET.  Helmets are all good, because they all pass the same safety standards set up by the CPSC.  More money gets you some different features, but less money still protects your noggin.

 - Some LIGHTS are always a good idea when riding in or near traffic.  We have a question we like to ask when customers are buying lights: do you want to SEE or BE SEEN?  In other words, are you riding in the very dark of night, or do you just want drivers of cars to notice you?  Either way, we have a great selection.

 - If you'll be carrying stuff with you, like your change of clothes for the office or maybe some groceries, you'll need some type of BAG.  We have a selection ranging from a small over-the-shoulder sling to a rack-mounted bag with "retractable" panniers (they fold up when not in use) for your farmers' market haul.

 - As with any other ride, there is always a chance you'll get a flat tire!  Have no fear: we have an entire department devoted to this!  Patch kits, tubes, pumps, CO2 cartridges, etc.  Put together a flat repair kit for yourself whether you're commuting or not, really.

And there you have it.  Maybe this week you can give commuting to work a try, or riding to soccer practice instead of driving.  As I write this it's pouring rain outside on Monday morning, but the whole week isn't going to be bad.  There will be a day or two at least that will be conducive to riding.  And if you decide to do it, check out the MACC website, where they have an official entry log for your efforts.  You can even win a fabbulous prize!

Have a great week!