ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION
In Tennessee, most of us are using a personal vehicle for nearly 100% of the trips we make. That means more vehicles on the road, more traffic congestion, and about 1 pound of pollutants released for every mile that every car travels.
Changing the way you get from point A to point B can make a big difference in air quality. When you choose to walk, bike, or rideshare even a few times a week, you can feel good about reducing vehicle emissions to help keep tons of pollution out of the air.
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Carpooling / Ridesharing
Carpooling and ridesharing is easier than you think. Find people in your community with a similar commute and team up to take at least one vehicle off the road per week. When you rideshare, you’ll cut down on pollution, you’ll save money on fuel, and you’ll save wear and tear on your automobile. Find a carpool through one of these helpful resources:
Click here for Smart Commute Carpooling
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Public Transportation
Many people already know that using public transportation is a smart move—both for air quality and for saving money. And with new advances and expanded routes, it may be easier than you think to make the switch. Taking public transportation even a few times a week makes a big difference in Tennessee’s air quality, especially during the summer months and on Code Orange days.
Many employers around the state encourage their employees to use public transportation—some will even pay for all or part of the cost of bus fare.
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Click here for Smart Commute Rail
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Walk/Bike
Walking is a great no-impact, no-cost transportation option. Even if you’re not close enough to walk to school or work, you can always substitute walking for driving at other times—like parking your car only once to run several errands on the same block or in the same shopping center. At least 25% of all of the trips made in the U.S. are under a mile, making foot travel a viable and healthy option for helping reduce vehicle emissions.
Biking is great exercise, and it’s also a great alternative way to get where you’re going without creating air pollution. Many metropolitan areas have bike lanes designated exclusively for bike traffic—so you can navigate your route and stay safe on the road. Most metro area buses are also equipped with a bike rack on the front of the bus, so you can at least bike part of the way.
Click here for BIKE SAFETY TIPS
People all over the state are trading four wheels for two. Check out the biking initiative in your area for tips, maps, and help getting started.
Click here for Smart Commute Walking
Click here for Smart Commute Biking
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