Making healthy transportation decisions

There’s always something going on in Bend during the summer and fall months – Bend Brewfest, concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, Munch & Music, Little Woody – and driving by yourself is rarely the best option to get there.

Commute Options is a local nonprofit that encourages folks in Central Oregon to make what they call healthy transportation choices. That means biking, walking, carpooling – maybe even unicycling? – and using public transit when possible.

This time of year, Commute Options is promoting a host of healthy transportation options, including:

Cascades East Transit bus service, which includes 10 routes in Bend. CET busses also include bicycle racks so you can combine bike and bus trips. Fares are as low as $.75 a ride.

The Ride Bend shuttle is a free summer bus service that connects some of Bend’s most popular districts. The shuttle runs from noon to 10 p.m. daily, from now until Labor Day.

Float, ride and repeat with the Ride the River shuttle. For $3, floaters can get a lift from Drake Park back to the Bend Park & Float (see page xx) or all the way up to Riverbend Park.

Find a carpool for work and/or play with Drive Less Connect, Oregon’s secure and easy to use online ride-matching tool.

Sign up for Zagster, Bend’s first bikesharing program. With six bikeshare station throughout town, Zagster makes mid-day trips a breeze and is perfect for bouncing all over town without having to get behind the wheel.