Dispatches from the Staff
9:13 am | Monday, Sep 11th 2006
How We Move Around Town: Fun & Healthy Ways To Make Positive Change
Posted By Shannon
Interestingly enough, walking, biking, running or using a wheel chair is often considered an "alternative form of transportation". In order for us to have healthy bodies, communities and physical environments we need to change our mindset of what "alternative transportation" really means.
Columbia is the perfect place to explore these possibilities. In the last year our public school system teamed up with PedNet to create the "Walking School Bus". Columbia has also received a twenty-five million dollar grant to improve pedways which help the community get more connected. We are also fortunate to have great trail systems such as the MKT and Bear Creek Trail making access easier than ever.
It can be a great experience to learn and experiment with new ways to commute to work or school. Using a "Trail-a-Bike" to commute with our children to school or walking to work on the MKT trail are easy ways to get started.
There are products such as the "Breezer" bicycle that comes loaded with a rear rack, pedal powered front and rear lights, a rear locking wheel and of course, a bell! These bikes are perfect for towns like Columbia, that have an infrastructure that is supportive of bicycling and other active modes of transportation.
With rising fuel costs and the positive effects of "alternative transportation" we are also keenly aware that there is no better time to take steps towards healthy transportation. Alternate transportation is healthy for our bodies, community, schools, children, our planet and, of course, our pocket books!