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What
Several greater Montpelier and statewide entities are pleased to bring you Way to Go! Montpelier-five weeks to choose a different way to travel than driving alone. Many events are planned this spring to encourage everyone to consider their choices when traveling around Montpelier. How often can you find other Ways to Go besides your personal auto? Suggested ways include: walking, bicycling, carpooling, park and walk, and public transportation. Start by setting some goals for yourself. Participation is easy. Sign up on-line and qualify for great prizes.
When
Way to Go! Montpelier will run from May 7th to June 9th. Be sure to participate in the following special events:
- Thursday May 3rd, 11:30am - 1pm, Kick-off event at the Pocket Park, Christ Episcopal Church, State Street. There will be live music, a proclamation by Governor Douglas, Way to Go ideas and inspirations, a registration table and other activities.
- May 3rd, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Montpelier Recreation Department's annual Bike Rodeo, at the Mountaineers field parking lot. Fun cycling circuits to test and develop safety skills for young riders. Free helmet fitting, bike registration, and mechanical check for all.
- May 7th - 11th, Way to Go Week. These 5 work days are the focus of the statewide Way to Go! Commuter Challenge. Try at least one alternative Way to Go to work. Be sure to encourage your workplace to participate in the Workplace Commuter Challenge--a friendly competition among workplaces and schools.
- Friday, May 11th, Dime Day, ride all Green Mountain Transit Agency bus routes for a dime. Phone 223-7287 or visit www.gmtaride.org for routes and schedules.
- June 3rd to 9th, the Onion River Sports Bike to Work Challenge, call 229-9409 for details.
- June 8th, 7:30-9am, Join us in a celebration of our success at the Pocket Park, Christ Episcopal Church. Hand in a tally sheet of your actions to Way to Go! Montpelier to help us track successes and receive a free bagel.
- Throughout the 5 weeks, Montpelier schools will have special events and promotions for Way to Go! as a part of the Safe Routes to Schools initiative.
Why
Why do this? For the health and well being of you, your family, our city and our global environment. Car emissions account for 46% of the total greenhouse gases produced in Vermont each year. This number is growing. Most of us are addicted to driving, even when the trip is less than one mile. Fewer cars in Montpelier means less pollution, less time waiting in traffic, less gasoline consumed and less stress on all of us. Just think if we combined our exercise with our daily commute. Most find it more pleasant exercise, are more satisfied and enjoy the sidewalk conversations. Need we say more?
How
It's easy to get involved in Way to Go! Montpelier.
- 1) Set some goals for yourself;
- 2) Log onto www.waytogovt.org to sign-up and select your preferred travel option(s). Doing so qualifies you for prize drawings;
- 3) Be sure to list your workplace or school so we can track our progress; and
- 4) Talk to neighbors and co-workers about walking or carpooling together. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy getting out of the car!
Brought to you by...
Way to Go! Montpelier is organized by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association, Community Connections, GMTA Wheels, Montpelier Safe Routes to School, the Central Vermont Medical Center, Onion River Sports, the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, and the Vermont Department of Health; with sponsorship support from the Vermont State Employees Credit Union.
For more information, please call Steve Gladczuk at 229-0389.
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