You’ve probably noticed there are less cars on the road resulting in less traffic and less air pollution. With fewer cars on the road, it’s easier to go places and less stressful too. “Right now, there are more people teleworking, riding bicycles and walking,” says LeAnn Yamamoto with Commute Smart Northwest. “Let’s continue this movement,” she adds, noting that “biking and walking are great ways to get around and also a great way to get daily exercise and enjoy this beautiful spring and summer weather.” Although many people didn’t have a choice to telework prior to COVID-19, working from home options have increased dramatically and many people prefer it to a daily commute to the office. Many managers have also found that their employees are more productive when teleworking, says Yamamoto. “If everyone continues teleworking, one, two, or even three days a week, our traffic would still be reduced by 10, 20, or 30 percent, giving us all more reason to get out and bicycle and walk.”
The Commute Smart Northwest program encourages commuters to use smart commuting options including walking, bicycling, teleworking, riding the bus, carpooling and vanpooling. Partnering with over 130 employers throughout Spokane County, the Commute Smart program reduced over 6,200 cars from the roads every day before COVID-19. “That number has increased substantially with so many people teleworking, biking and walking now,” notes Yamamoto. “Commute Smart participants on average save between $100 to $200 a month on their commute,” she adds. Find out how much you can save with the organization’s Commute Cost Calculator and start logging your Commute Smart trips for the chance to win monthly prize giveaways.
Learn more at CommuteSmartNW.org.
