JUNE / JULY 2009

GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN:

Green Commute Challenge teams aim to reduce air pollution and save money

This summer employees at Kansas City area companies will "go green and save green" during the annual Green Commute Challenge, a competition that encourages employees of participating organizations to reduce driving alone and save money on their commutes. The challenge, which runs July 6–Aug. 28, is a fun way for employers and commuters to address two serious issues: air quality and rising gas prices. [More]

AIR QUALITY TIPS:

Protect your health and reduce pollution on Ozone Alert days

People are used to checking the weather forecast each day. But they can also check something called a SkyCast, which is the region’s ozone forecast, issued from April 1 through Oct. 31. Residents can use the SkyCast to plan their activities in order to minimize vehicle emissions and protect their health when high ozone concentrations are forecast. [More]

IN THE NEWS:

New bike and pedestrian bridge opens over U.S. Highway 71

Bicyclists and pedestrians now have a way to cross U.S. Highway 71 in south Kansas City, Mo. The newest Trails KC facility opened in early June and provides a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over busy U.S. 71. It will connect neighborhood trail systems that extend east and west of the highway. [More]

COMMUTER PROFILE:

Carpooling helps Mary Burns achieve a better work-life balance

Mary Burns

If an ad company wanted to shoot a commercial about Mary Burns’ carpool, it might go something like this. Time spent on the daily commute: 60 minutes. Money saved on gasoline and vehicle wear and tear: $10,000 a year. Achieving a better balance between work and home life: priceless. [More]

RIDESHARE SPOTLIGHT:

Park-and-ride mapping tool offers commute info with a click

Some people already forgo driving in traffic to get to work. Park-and-ride lots provide convenient, free, all-day parking for commuters so they can transfer to a previously arranged carpool or vanpool, or take public transit to work or another destination. RideShare now offers a comprehensive online tool, based on Google Maps, that displays approximately 35 park-and-ride lots in the Kansas City region available for commuter use. [More]

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

Resolution would clean up bicycle commuter benefit

When the Bicycle Commuter Benefit Act was passed in October 2008 as part of the federal bailout bill, many bicyclists discovered a shortcoming. While it provided a tax-free reimbursement from employers for bicycle-related commuting expenses, it could not be combined with the monthly transit pass benefit allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. [More]