Have you ever flirted with the thought of not driving -- or at least not alone -- to and from work each day? Well, next week has been tailor made for you.
SEMCOG -- that's Southeast Michigan's metropolitan planning organization -- is promoting Commuter Challenge week with a variety of ways for commuters to participate.
First off, signing up. You can attend the Commuter Fair at Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sign up in person and get some cool promo goodies. If you can't make it, head to
SEMCOG.org/MIrideshare to sign up and then record your progress through the week.
As if living better is not reward enough, there are some serious prizes on the table for participants. The Grand Prize is a one night stay at the Ren Cen Marriott along with meals at Signature Grill and 42 Degree North Restaurant. Other prizes include gift cards to Hard Rock Cafe, Fishbones, Opus One and Bookie's Tavern. There's also an iPod, a 31-day SMART bus pass, and
Night Move passes.
Now starts the week. Every day has a special focus, although all forms of alternative commuting -- car- and vanpooling, public transit, biking, walking and telecommuting -- are encouraged all week long.
- Saturday, May 9 - National Train Day
At Amtrak stations across the country, and locally at the Detroit Amtrak Station (at W. Baltimore and Woodward in New Center), rail supporters will celebrate the 140th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Come by between 9 a.m. and noon to witness a presentation from the Mayor of Detroit followed by train exhibits, trip planning and much more.
- Monday, May 11 – Carpool / Vanpool / Flextime Day
Explore your options about saving money with carpooling and vanpooling from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Compuware. There will be gas card prizes and info about pick-up and drop-off places and routes.
- Tuesday, May 12 – People Mover Day
The Detroit People Mover will hold its first ever Midway - Lunchtime Carnival. Arcade games will be located at four People Mover stations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a chance to win, yes, prizes. The stations are: Renaissance Center, Cobo Center, Michigan Avenue and Financial District.
- Wednesday, May 13 – Ride the Bus Day
Haven't tried the bus yet? It can be intimidating, but this is the day to try it. There are guided morning bus rides from several locations throughout the region, Bus 101 info sessions and even some free bus passes.
- Thursday, May 14 – Walking Day - Grand Opening of the Dequindre Cut
Join the
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and its partners in celebrating the official opening of the Dequindre Cut Greenway. A grand opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the Woodbridge St. entrance of the Cut followed by food, activities and entertainment taking place at all three entrances of the Cut (Woodbridge St., Lafayette St., Gratiot Ave.) until 2 p.m. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from Eastern Market, guided walking tours of the Dequindre Cut from
Inside Detroit and much more.
- Friday, May 15 – Bicycle Day - Annual Bike-to-Work Ride
Join dozens of other cyclists and ride your bicycle to work downtown along Woodward (from Royal Oak or Ferndale) or Jefferson (from Grosse Pointe or Indian Village). A great way to get exercise and see the city in a new way, while commuting to work. Details are at the
Detroit Bikes! website.
Save some gas, lower your carbon footprint...it's all good!
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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