Why I choose to use Sustainable Transportation
Hi! My name is Shannon, I work for the Ann Arbor District Library and I will be helping to get the word out to Library employees about the Commuter Challenge this May. I was happy to volunteer to promote this great program to my co-workers because I use sustainable transportation for my own commute.
I walk to work everyday; it takes about 10 – 15 minutes and no matter the weather I’m out there in snow, sun, rain and shine. The benefits for me are numerous:
Mental and Physical Health: This is time when I’m outside, away from the computer, getting some fresh air and engaging in physical activity. I can choose to stroll or walk briskly depending on my mood and if I want to reap more health benefits.
Connection to the community: I recently re-located to Ann Arbor from the East Coast. Walking to work everyday allows me to experience the city in a very different way than I would if I was in a car, or even on a bus. As I walk through the downtown area, I peek in the shops, take note of restaurants that look good, and check out what’s on the marquee at the Michigan Theater. I also see a handful of regulars also out walking to school or to work at the same time I am. This makes me feel connected to my newly adopted town and I look forward to relishing this time and seeing even more people out and about as the warmer months approach.
Cost: Absolutely free. This is a huge factor for why I walk to work and why I don’t own a car at all. No gas, no parking, no insurance, no car payments, no oil changes, no tolls, no repairs…I think you get the picture.
Being on my own schedule: When my work day is over, if I want to stay downtown and run errands or go to a coffee shop, I don’t have to worry about paying for parking, missing the bus or trying to beat rush hour traffic. Commuting by foot means I’m the master of my own time. What’s better than that!