Take the 2019 Commuter Challenge

Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle,
Electric Scooter, Dyson Multifloor Vacuum

Replace a drive-alone trip to work or school and instead take the bus or train, bicycle, carpool, walk, telework or vanpool once by the end of July.

Click here to participate.

2019 Bike to Work Week (June 17 - 21)

Bike to Work Week Celebration
June 20 - 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Come to REI in Bloomington (494 & Lyndale) for free bicycle checks, fun swag, and a chance to win awesome prizes, including: $500 Visa Gift Card or a Commuter Bicycle.

Everyone who attends gets:
• FREE Front and Back Bike Lights
• FREE Ben & Jerry’s Sundae Bar
• FREE Bike Checks

Commuter of the Month

Emily Sturm - Ceridian - Transit & Telwork

I lived in Portland, Oregon, for three years without a car. I biked and took public transportation everywhere. When I moved back to Minnesota in 2010, I worked construction for a few years and my partner and I each owned a car. After transitioning to an office job five years ago, I took the opportunity to sell one of our cars; having my job located very close to a light rail stop made it an easier decision. Then shortly after our son was born, I started teleworking from home on Thursdays. This allowed me to be closer to my son’s daycare so I’m able to bike or take the bus to pick him up after my workday is done. He loves riding the bus with me!

I live just under a mile from a Blue Line train stop, so I walk, bike or bus to that stop. I’m a bit of a fair-weather biker, but I do enjoy walking or biking to the train stop during the warmer months. There are so many things I love about taking transit. It’s a peaceful time when I can do whatever I want – check my phone, look at email, or just stare out the window. I’ve even picked out a favorite tree on my train ride and I enjoy noticing the ways it changes with the seasons. I also love taking my son on the bus to teach him about the ease and joy of using public transportation. Another big benefit for my family is that we have only one car, which means less money towards gas, car loan, maintenance, etc.

My advice to anyone thinking about trying transit: Just do it! Try it even once a week or once a month. You may find that you really enjoy your time on the bus or train and it isn’t as hard to get into a habit of doing as you might have thought. If figuring out your route seems confusing or you’re new to transit, Commuter Services is a great resource!

2019 Events

• January - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Google Home Hub)
• February - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Apple Watch)
  Heart Health Month
• March - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Beats Wireless Headphones)
• April - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Earth Day is Monday, April 22
  Get on Board Day, April 25
• May - Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Commuter Choice Awards Ceremony is Tuesday, May 7
  National Bike to Work Week is May 13 - May 17. National Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17
  Commuter Services also celebrates Bike to Work Week in June (see below)
• June - Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Commuter Services’ Bike to Work Week is June 17-21
  Bike to Work Celebration is Thursday, June 20 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at REI in Bloomington
  Dump The Pump Day is on Thursday, June 20
• July - Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
• August - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode
• September - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode
  Open Streets at Penn Fest is Sunday, September 15 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
  World Car Free Day: Sunday, September 22
  Open Streets on 50th: (Date TBD)
• October - Try Transit:
  Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode:
  
• November - Try Transit:
  Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode
• December - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode

**Additional events will be added throughout the year