Find ‘smart’ ways to travel in the
valley
Wood River Rideshare, the Hailey-based
alternative transit organization, announced this week it will commence on
Monday, May 12, the 3rd Annual Smart Moves Community Challenge
alternative transportation program.
Beth Callister, executive director of Wood
River Rideshare, said the program—which is designed to encourage Wood River
Valley residents to travel without a car—will last through Sept. 12.
"Too many people driving their cars
everywhere creates problems for the whole community, from traffic congestion to
global warming," she said. "Participants in the Smart Moves program make a
difference by reducing their vehicle trips and showing support of other
transportation modes."
The Smart Moves program offers prizes to
participants who log a high number of trips taken by bike, foot, carpool or bus.
Every 10 alternative transportation trips is worth one entry into the event’s
end-of-season prize drawing on Sept. 12, Callister noted.
Past participants on May 7 will be mailed
"Trip Trackers," boards on which they can calculate all of their alternative
trips.
"Participants benefit in many ways, from
improved personal health, to more time with friends and family, to money saved
at the gas pump," Callister noted.
Numerous Wood River Valley businesses are
sponsoring the program.
During the summer of 2001, 90 people
participated in the program. Last summer, 110 participated.
Callister noted that program organizers
this year are hoping to get at least 300 participants in the program.
Becki Keefer, Wood River Rideshare board
member, encouraged area residents to bike, walk or ride the Peak Bus commuter
line to their destinations. "We want people out there having fun and exploring
their community in new ways," she said. "It’s amazing what you discover when you
are out riding your bike or walking through town."
In a related event, Wood River Rideshare
and St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center will host a "Bike to Work Day" on
Friday, May 16. Additional details on the event will be released next week.