(Regional Sales Executive Dan West | Photo Courtesy of Commute Options)
Each year when the weather warms and the trails open, thousands of tourists flock to Central Oregon for its beauty and recreation options. And while they bring their vacation dollars to cities like Bend, they also bring traffic and parking issues. But, Bend’s summertime hustle and bustle isn’t limited to the influx of tourists coming to enjoy the scenery. Our local businesses get busy, too.
Summer is an important time of year to keep your coworkers and employees engaged in transportation choices. During the summer season, many local businesses, such as local internet marketing firm G5, have made it a priority to encourage their employees to walk, bike, ride the bus, or carpool to work. For the whole month of August, G5 employees will be tracking their trips to and from work using the all-new Get There App. The employees with the highest number of alternative transportation trips (aka non-solo car trips) will receive prizes like $200 cash or a special party.
Beyond the one-month challenge, G5 encourages walking, biking, busing, and carpooling to work through quarterly bonuses, a company locker room complete with showers, and primo bike storage.
How does the commute affect work productivity?
Regional Sales Executive Dan West, who rides his bike 4.5 miles each way, says, “Riding gets me off on the right foot every morning.” In addition to the mood boost, Dan enjoys skipping the trek across downtown Bend from the paid parking lot to the G5 headquarters in the Franklin Crossing building.
Not everyone can ride their bike to work, but with the complementary G5 Zagster Membership, G5 employees can take a bike to grab lunch or run an errand during the day. West shares how he and his fellow coworkers love to get out in the sunshine, bike to The Lot for lunch, and make it back to work rejuvenated for the rest of the day.
How can you encourage walking, biking, riding the bus and carpooling at your business?
Partner with Commute Options and use the Get There app for employees to track their trips and earn rewards as they go. If you’re a downtown Bend business, connect your employees to the Ride Bend Shuttle for quick, easy, and convenient rides. This free micro-transit commute option runs through Labor Day and operates from noon to 9pm every day of the week. And don’t forget to consider adding or expanding bike parking or storage for bike commuters.
Summer is a great time to initiate a commute challenge at your business. Employees can take advantage of the warm summer weather, show up ready to work and save that primo car parking space for your customers.
Let’s all work together to create a less congested Central Oregon.
