Greater Portland’s streets need to accommodate all users, not just the automobile, and there’s a bill going through Congress – the Livable Communities Act – that would make sure that happens.
The Livable Communities Act (S. 1619) would ensure that communities working for greener streets can get help from multiple government agencies to build them – e.g. setting up grant programs for bike-pedestrian friendly construction projects. By building streets for all transportation users and enhancing the homes and businesses that line them, the bill helps small businesses, preserves natural land on city fringes, and cuts down on transportation costs and carbon emissions for families in Portland, around Maine and throughout the nation.
But in order to pass, the Livable Communities Act needs your help. Before Labor Day, please send a letter or call Senators Collins and Snowe – you can help the Livable Communities Act get passed!
Senator Snowe, Portland State Office: 3 Canal Plaza, Suite 601, Portland, ME 04101; Tel: (207) 874-0883; Fax: (207) 874-7631
Senator Collins, Portland State Office: One Canal Plaza, Suite 802, Portland, ME 04101; Tel: (207) 780-3575
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for exciting upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland.
Back to School Specials from METRO
College Students:
Ride FREE with ID from participating colleges August 23 – September 30, 2010. (After September, several colleges continue to offer FREE or discounted transportation.)
Discounted Student Fares (K-12): Beginning in September through mid-June 2011, students can ride METRO buses for 75 cents (regular student fare is $1.25) using a METRO Student Fare Card, available at participating schools in Portland, Westbrook and Falmouth.
For a list of participating schools/colleges, schedules and additional information, visit www.gpmetrobus.com (Services and Programs) or call 774-0351.
REGISTER NOW – Sept 4 – Smart Cycling Basic Course
The League of American Bicyclists’ basic road riding class (Smart Cycling’s Basic Course) will be offered on September 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. To register, please e-mailJim Tasse, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s education director, or call him at 623-4511.
DUE BY Sept 20 – Healthy Portland and Healthy Casco Bay Grants for Active Transportation and Physical Activity
October 6/Full Month of October – International Walk & Bike to School Day & Month
Join kids and families around the globe to walk and bike to school in October! In the USA, celebrate Walk and Bike to School Day on October 6, 2010 – or pick another day this fall that works best for your school to celebrate. And promote safe walking and bicycling throughout the year! Find out how to organize an event, register and order materials, and get other technical assistance from the Maine Safe Routes to School Program. See some inspiration from schools around the state last spring.
Attention Professional/Amateur Photographers: The Bicycle Coalition of Maine Needs Your Help
The Bicycle Coalition still needs a few more bicycling photos for the redesign of their Web site. One of the photographers whose work is selected will receive a $100 gift certificate to a member bike shop. They need photos of someone riding with traffic in a Maine city at night, a 40-something female commuter in professional clothes riding through traffic, a 20-something woman wearing a sundress and flip flops or leggings and kids doing BMX-type tricks. Find out more.
Call 511 for Transportation Info
Now it’s easier than ever to find the transportation help you need, thanks to the newly launched 511 services. Whether you’re stuck in traffic in your carpool and need an alternative route – or want to find a bus that’ll take you where you need to go – 511 has the help you need. 511 is an automated toll-free phone line and internet service that provides 24/7 on-demand updates on Maine traffic, transit routing, park and ride lots and more. Just dial 511 from a cell phone or landline. You’ll automatically be connected with 511 service in the area where you’re traveling. Choose from voice-responsive prompts or, if you prefer, just tell 511 what you want to know, like “traffic on I-295″ or “find a park & ride lot.” 511 will get you the answers you need or guide you to the right resource. Prefer to get your transportation information online? Visit 511 on the web at www.511maine.gov where in addition to traffic, bus/rail, you can also access driving directions, interactive maps of real time traffic conditions, toll-road information and more. It’s interactive and easy to navigate.
Employers – Check Out METRO’s Bus Incentive Program for Employees
The METRO Busis introducing an incentive program that encourages Maine employees to choose transit instead of driving to work. They are offering employers fully or partially subsidized monthly passes to their employees. By not driving, you can save hundreds of dollars per year…extra money that you can use for mortgage payments, college tuition, vacations, or anything you want. Whether you have five employees or over 5,000 employees, it just makes good business sense to participate. This transit benefit not only encourages employees to use public transit to commute to work, it also reduces the need for available employee parking and helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Now there are incentives to make participating in METRO’s plan an even better deal for employers and their employees.
Tax Savings
Promote “Green” Transportation
Save $$
Free up valuable parking spaces
METRO will work with your business to provide a risk-free trial program that works for you and your employees. See here to learn more.
The new bike commuter program is designed to assist businesses that want to promote cycling within their organization and help the cyclists who want to commute by bike, and it’s all FREE.
To support businesses, the program offers guidance on creating a bicycle friendly culture in an organization, understanding the needs of a cyclist who rides to and from work, and outlining what facilities a cyclist would typically want at the workplace. While having all the facilities like showers and lockers is nice, it’s not a deal breaker. When an organization understands the cyclist’s perspective, many different options are possible. This program offers that type of guidance to businesses.
To support the cyclist, the program offers on-site training seminars by qualified cycling instructors. These sessions are adapted to the time available to employees during the day or scheduled after hours, at the business’ and employees’ convenience. Through these, existing or would-be cyclists can learn the realities of cycling to and from work and the hard skills that go with it. Topics include setting realistic goals, managing a work out on your way to work, bikes and other equipment, riding techniques, route selection, night riding, and general traffic safety. These classes are taught by instructors who speak from experience and are trained in safe cycling practices. Classes are for novice to intermediate cyclists of all ages.
For more information about the program and to schedule a visit to your place of business, please contact Erik West at ewest@gpcog.org or at 207-774-9891.
Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MaST) has Launched New Website
The Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MaST) – of which Portland Green Streets is a member – has officially launched our new website! MaST was spearheaded by the League and has some great groups working to increase access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transportation option. Check MaST out and find out how you can get involved!
Maine Lighthouse Ride to Benefit Eastern Trail Alliance
September 11, Southern Maine Community College, South Portland – Come take in the view, tour a lighthouse, and cycle to support the Eastern Trail Alliance, an organization dedicated to building a 60-mile greenway from Kittery to South Portland. There are several ride options ranging from 25 to 100 miles.
Adopt-a-Stop!
We all know about the problem of poor access to many bus stops during the winter. Robert Wagner, a long-time advocate for transportation improvements, is the volunteer coordinator for an effort to organize volunteers to agree to keep specific bus stop locations in Portland and South Portland clear of snow, etc., for a period of a year. He hasn’t had many takers so far, but this sure sounds like a way for us to help where no one else is dealing with the problem. Check the website: www.Adopt-A-Stop.org or call him at (207) 408-4404.
Bikes Campaign Against Overuse of Rumble Strips
Several national bicycling organizations are urging the Federal Highway Administration and state departments of transportation to reconsider the widespread and indiscriminate use of rumble strips on state highways. Rumble strips can pose a serious hazard to bicyclists. Find out more and learn how you can get involved.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car to Offer Electric Vehicles in Portland
Beginning in January 2011, consumers in your city will be able to rent an electric vehicle (EV) from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The company today announced it will begin receiving delivery of 500 Nissan LEAFs starting in January 2011. The EVs will initially be offered to customers across eight different markets where the infrastructure exists to support the vehicles, including Portland. Charging stations will be installed at select locations, including several of the Enterprise “hybrid branches” – designated locations that offer hybrids and other environmentally-friendly rental options.
This in from Summer 2010 Green Streets intern, Michelle Boisvert:
“Munjfest [the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood festival that this year celebrated the bicycle] was a blast! Green Streets, the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup, and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) teamed up to offer alternative transportation and bicycling advice, free bike tune ups, Green Street T-shirt stenciling, and a plethora of information about what each group is up to. Thanks to Jim Tasse from BCM, who brought a bike stand and equipment to provide the tune-ups – they were in high demand! Thanks, too, to Green Streets volunteers Maryann Welsch, Kevin Donoghue, and Jake Hoffman for helping out at the table! We met a lot of great people and printed a lot of Green Streets shirts. They’ll look great out on the street this Friday. One Green Streeter said she planned to wear her Green Street shirt on the days that she walks to her elementary school.”
For special treats for Green Streets Day participants, visit our Green Streets Freebies & Discounts page for offers of free food and drink and various area discounts that day.
Thanks to persistent local bike-pedestrian advocacy you have a chance to learn more and speak up about bike-ped needs for Franklin Street and at Exit 7 between the Back Cove and Marginal Way!
The City of Portland, Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) are hosting a public meeting this Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, at the East End Community Center (195 North Street, Portland) to discuss two (2) specific topics:
5:30 – 6:45pm - To receive feedback on the Scope of Work for the Franklin Street Phase II Study
7:00 – 8:30pm – Discussion of Exit 7 improvements and the evaluation steps needed to ensure that a bike/pedestrian connection at Marginal Way to Back Cove will be created safely
Phase II of Franklin Street and Exit 7 Bike-Ped Connections (a fully implemented pedestrian connection the City has requested be built between the Back Cove Trail and the intersection of Marginal Way and Franklin St. – when MaineDOT uses a federal earmark to widen the I-295 south-bound Franklin St. exit to two lanes) areimportant topics to speak up about – so come on out and pass the word to others you think might be interested.
To RSVP and ensure adequate space please call or email Melissa Graffam of the City’s Public Services Department at 874-8823 or mag@portlandmaine.gov.
The Phase II Study Scope outlines the process by which the Franklin Study Committee’s work will be moved forward. The Study will carefully evaluate the three (3) preliminary alternative design concepts the committee identified to address challenges and opportunities for the Franklin Street corridor. The goal of the Study, which includes a broad and comprehensive public input process, is to make a recommendation on which concept should be implemented. The three (3) alternatives are:
Multi-way Boulevard with four through lanes in center and two side access lanes providing parking and bicycle use;
Urban Street with bicycle lanes and parallel parking; and
Urban Parkway with landscaped median limited parking and parallel bicycle path.
In addition to the three (3) build alternatives described above other improvements such as intersection roundabouts, restoring side street connectivity and transit, was identified by the committee as needing further study in Phase II. At next week’s meeting, officials from the City of Portland, MeDOT and PACTS will present background about the goals and objectives of the Phase II Study, answer your questions and hear suggestions on anything that may have been missed.
I-295 Exit 7 Expansion & Bike-Ped Connection
Part two of the meeting will focus on I -295 Improvements at Exit 7 and the Pedestrian Safety Evaluation Process. A briefing will be provided on what the Exit 7 improvements will include and the steps needed to provide a safe bike/pedestrian connection to Back Cove Trail from Marginal Way. Program managers from MaineDOT will be on hand to present and answer questions about this improvements project.
Please note: Members of the Portland Bike-Ped Advisory Committee and the League of Young Voters set up a Yahoo Group to facilitate work on the Exit 7 Bike-Ped Path issue. This July 28 Public Meeting is in part due to public advocacy from the bike-ped community! Other folks who want to work on or hear directly about this are encouraged to subscribe to the group by e-mailing Exit7BikePedPath-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Green Streeter & Bike Coalition rep Jim Tasse does bike checks at Munjfest 2010
Portland Green Streets Calendar
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for exciting upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland.
Ride the Bus, Borrow a Book – Youth Escape this Summer to Local Public Library
Children and teens, ages 18 and younger, receive a FREE ride ticket to ride METRO or South Portland City Bus (www.southportland.org) when they borrow a book from participating libraries in Portland, South Portland, Westbrook and Falmouth during July and August. For more information, visit www.gpmetrobus.com
The new bike commuter program is designed to assist businesses that want to promote cycling within their organization and help the cyclists who want to commute by bike, and it’s all FREE.
To support businesses, the program offers guidance on creating a bicycle friendly culture in an organization, understanding the needs of a cyclist who rides to and from work, and outlining what facilities a cyclist would typically want at the workplace. While having all the facilities like showers and lockers is nice, it’s not a deal breaker. When an organization understands the cyclist’s perspective, many different options are possible. This program offers that type of guidance to businesses.
To support the cyclist, the program offers on-site training seminars by qualified cycling instructors. These sessions are adapted to the time available to employees during the day or scheduled after hours, at the business’ and employees’ convenience. Through these, existing or would-be cyclists can learn the realities of cycling to and from work and the hard skills that go with it. Topics include setting realistic goals, managing a work out on your way to work, bikes and other equipment, riding techniques, route selection, night riding, and general traffic safety. These classes are taught by instructors who speak from experience and are trained in safe cycling practices. Classes are for novice to intermediate cyclists of all ages.
For more information about the program and to schedule a visit to your place of business, please contact Erik West at ewest@gpcog.org or at 207-774-9891.
Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MaST) has Launched New Website
The Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MaST) – of which Portland Green Streets is a member – has officially launched our new website! MaST was spearheaded by the League and has some great groups working to increase access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transportation option. Check MaST out and find out how you can get involved!
Maine Lighthouse Ride to Benefit Eastern Trail Alliance
September 11, Southern Maine Community College, South Portland – Come take in the view, tour a lighthouse, and cycle to support the Eastern Trail Alliance, an organization dedicated to building a 60-mile greenway from Kittery to South Portland. There are several ride options ranging from 25 to 100 miles.
Hike & Bike with MaineShare
Participate in MaineShare’s annual Hike & Bike event and support their work to provide funding to groups working for a clean, healthy, and prosperous Maine. This is the 3rd year of the smaller footprint “virtual” Hike and Bike: you choose the day and time for your hike or bike, then register and collect donations online, saving time, paper, and fuel. The first 15 people to register will receive a FREE pair of tickets to MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair in September! For more info about the Hike & Bike, click here.
Munjfest – Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood celebration of summer – will be held on Sunday, July 18 from 11am-4pm, as always on Congress Street at the top of the East End. This year organizers are going all out with a Lovefest for the Bicycle theme for people of all ages and abilities. And Green Streets is joining the fray with volunteers and a Print-Your-Own Green Streets T-Shirt Party!
So bring yourself , a favorite blank t-shirt (preferably green!) and your dear old bike out forsome fun with a:
Bike Decorating Party
Grand Bike Parade (rumor has it that the Grand Marshall may be Bruce Hyman, the City of Portland’s new Bike-Pedestrian Coordinator)
Kids Bike Raffle of 5 reconditioned bikes – a recycling of good bicycles!
Bike Safety Q & A Station – for those burning “What am I Really Supposed to do in This Particular Road Situation??” questions
Free Check-Up from a Local Bike Shop
Print-Your-Own Green Streets T-Shirt Party! (we’ll have a station set up with stencils of the new Portland Green Streets logo – and black and white options of ink to print with. We’ll also have some t-shirts on hand for $5 if you don’t have one of your own)
Volunteer with Green Streets at the Event!
Whether or not you have a bike or use other alternate transportation to get around, we’d love to have you volunteer with us at Munjfest! We’ll need folks to help with various Munjfest organizing activities (the bike decorating party, the parade, the biking Q&A, etc. – and also to host the Green Streets table and star in the T-Shirt Printing Party). Please select a stint you can help out on this Doodle schedule (it takes 30 seconds – no registration required), put it on your calendar, and we’ll be in touch!
Neighbors, Vendors, Local Businesses and Exhibitors
Interested in entering your dog in the Annual MunjMinster Dog Talent show? Interested in getting involved or sponsoring? Fill out the following form: MunjFest 2010! Form; Call: 207-773-4336 or e-mail:info@munjoyhill.org
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for exciting upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland.
BY JULY 1 – Concerned about I-295 Exit 7 Pathway? Stay Tuned and/or Get Involved with Exit 7 Path Yahoo Group – Possible Public Meeting July 28
This is not yet completely official, but we’re hearing that MaineDOT and the City of Portland will be holding a public meeting on Wed. July 28th to address the proposed Scope of the upcoming Phase 2 study of the Franklin Street redesign and to give an update/answer questions on plans for Exit 7. Please mark your calendars and spread the word.
An effort is being made to get questions regarding Exit 7 to MaineDOT in advance of the meeting so that they have ample time to come with answers. Please send your questions to Alex Landry at city_mouse_us@yahoo.com by July 1 for inclusion in a letter to MDOT.
Members of the Portland Bike-Ped Advisory Committee and the League of Young Voters have set up a Yahoo Group to facilitate work on the Exit 7 Bike-Ped Path issue (a fully implemented pedestrian connection the City has requested be built between the Back Cove Trail and the intersection of Marginal Way and Franklin St. – when MaineDOT uses a federal earmark to widen the I-295 south-bound Franklin St. exit to two lanes). Other folks who want to work on or hear directly about this issue are encouraged to subscribe to the group by e-mailing Exit7BikePedPath-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Bike Commuting Mentoring Matchboard!
Announcing, the Mentoring Matchboard! Join the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup if you haven;t already (it’s free) – and check out the great new message board for bike commuting mentors and mentees to find each other. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A MENTOR, OR WOULD LIKE TO BE A MENTOR, just leave a message with your route information. Please read the two threads at the top of the Mentoring Matchboard for how the Meetup envisions it working.
Become a Friend of the Falmouth Flyer!
Friend the Falmouth Flyer on Facebook! Riding the Falmouth Flyer (METRO Bus #7) – to see friends and family, do an outing at ME Audubon’s Gilsland Farm, shop at local businesses in Falmouth or Portland, take in a movie, etc. is a great way for Greater Portland residents to support our region, save gas money, lead a more active lifestyle, increase our country’s energy security, and have fun. So join Friends of the Falmouth Flyer!
Summer Youth Bus Passes Available
For only $20, children and teens – ages 18 and younger – can ride METRO and the South Portland City Bus from June through August. For more information, visit www.gpmetrobus.com or contact: Denise Beck – dbeck@gpmetrobus.com
Green Streeter Bruce Hyman Hired to be New Portland Bike-Pedestrian Coordinator
Experienced local planner and Green Streeter Bruce Hyman was just hired by the City of Portland to be the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. Part of the “Communities Putting Prevention to Work” grant, this 2-year position is dedicated to developing sustainable policy and environmental strategies that improve access to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and promote active transportation and a healthy community. Bruce will be housed in the Department of Public Services and work closely with the Public Health Division. Responsibilities will include the development of local roadway design standards that improve bicycle-pedestrian access and safety; assistance with bicycle-pedestrian educational and promotional campaigns; offering educational presentations to and seeking feedback from a broad range of community groups and governmental agencies; building partnerships with other agencies and transportation system professionals; developing and seeking endorsement of a “Complete Streets” policy. The City had a strong pool of applicants with great work experience and passion for bicycle and pedestrian concerns – so thank to those who applied and congratulations to Bruce! This is great news for the bicycle and pedestrian world.
Veterans Memorial Bridge Replacement Project Traffic Impacts and Announcements
Construction on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Portland and South Portland off of Route 295, begins this Monday, June 21st.
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should be aware that during construction, there will be a full closure of the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge southbound sidewalk and shoulder starting Monday, June 28. There will also be daily southbound lane closures as necessary during off-peak traffic hours for construction activities. Traffic during peak hours on weekdays from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. will not be affected.
The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in summer 2012, at which time the old Veterans Memorial Bridge will be removed. The entire project will be complete by December 2012. “Since the existing bridge will remain open during construction of the new bridge, disruption to traffic is expected to be minimal,” says Jeff Folsom, project manager from The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT).
The project team, made up of MaineDOT, Reed & Reed, Inc., T.Y. Lin and their subcontractors spent the last three months conducting a series of meetings with stakeholder groups. A variety of citizens representing public works, bike/pedestrian groups, Portland Trails, veterans groups, city officials, neighbors and nearby businesses provided detailed recommendations on various design elements of the bridge.
The resulting bridge design incorporates 3 overlooks on the bridge and two landscaped parks on each end to reinforce the gateway experience. The Portland side will feature a memorial park recognizing the five branches of the military while the memorial park on the South Portland will be dedicated to the merchant marines. The three overlooks along the bridge will feature interpretive installations with emphasis on area historical, marine, environmental and transportation-related topics.
The project website www.VeteransMemorialBridge.org will be updated regularly to include traffic updates, possible detours and progress on construction.
At 1 p.m. on the spectacular afternoon of May 16th we celebrated the lovely 2nd Annual Interfaith Blessing of the Bicycles – and all human-powered transportation! We had participation from over 20 cyclists -and rollerskaters – from across Greater Portland, of various faith and non-faith practices, little ones and older, and some from various government and non-profit organizations, including Nick Batista from Chellie Pingree’s office.
Feel free to take a look at some sweet photos of the event taken by Green Streeter and PGS Board Member Corey Templeton.
We have many to thank for another wonderful event this year!
Cathedral of St. Luke – for their energy and passion for this event and for their generosity with hosting! Special thanks to:
The Reverend Canon Carolyn Coleman – who we will miss for her shared passion and support for this event – and who we wish well on her journey with her family to Tennessee!
The Very Reverend Dr. Ben Shambaugh – for his continued support – it was great to have him in town this year
Steve Scarf for all his press release and publicity assistance
Kristina Minister and John Leddy and the rest of the St. Luke’s angels – for their planning assistance, getting the word out, and terrific refreshments set-up
Congregation Shaarey Tphiloh –
with special thanks to Rabbi Akira Herzfeld for his input on the liturgy and participation in the service!
The Islamic Society of Portland –
with many thanks to Wells Staley-Mays and Izzeldin Abdullah for assisting with the liturgy and sharing their voices in the service as well!
Ernie’s Cycle Shop and Gorham Bike & Ski – special thanks to both of their businesses for their sponsorship and financial support again this year!
Portland Bike Commuter Meetup – huge thanks to John Brooking for helping inspire us to start the Blessing here in Portland, for his lovely guitar playing, and for his ongoing efforts to build community among bicyclists and promote smart, safe bicycling in Greater Portland.
We at Portland Green Streets felt blessed to be involved as well! -
Special thanks to Corey Templeton for his poster design work and the photos of the event!
Best wishes and safe biking over this next year – and if you missed the event look for it to happen again in May 2011!
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland
Week of May 25-29 – Ride the Bus, Borrow a Book
Children and teens (18 and younger) receive a free ticket to ride on METRO Bus when they visit the newly remodeled library between May 25-May 29.
May 28 – Portland’s Great New Urban Bike Store – Portland Velocipede Grand Opening
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with Portland Velocipede! Join us for an evening of food, drinks, and bicycles and general merriment! 5-8pm; 45 York Street in Portland.
June 4 – First Friday Art Ride by the Portland Slow Riders
The Friday June 4 ride is being billed as a “Red Light Dance Party”! Mmmmm, sounds intriguing. FMI, see here if you have Facebook. They always meet at 7 PM at Monument Square, first Friday of each month. Outlandish bike decoration and lighting is encouraged! (Boring old regular bike lights are good too!)
Concerned about I-295 Exit 7 Pathway? Stay Tuned and/or Get Involved with Exit 7 Path Yahoo Group!
Members of the Portland Bike-Ped Advisory Committee and the League of Young Voters have set up a Yahoo Group to facilitate work on the Exit 7 Bike-Ped Path issue (a fully implemented pedestrian connection the City has requested be built between the Back Cove Trail and the intersection of Marginal Way and Franklin St. – when MaineDOT uses a federal earmark to widen the I-295 south-bound Franklin St. exit to two lanes). Other folks who want to work on or hear directly about this issue are encouraged to subscribe to the group by e-mailing Exit7BikePedPath-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Summer Youth Bus Passes – Available Now
For only $20, children and teens – ages 18 and younger – can ride METRO and the South Portland City Bus from June through August. (Press release attached)
Every year -whether you commute green year-round or not – there’s an opportunity to join the fun of commuting green en masse across the State of Maine. It’s a wave of encouragement for sustainable transportation and it’s coming up, May 14-21:
Commute Another Way Week (May 17-21) - sign up for fun and prizes for a week of walking, biking, using public transit, carpooling, and telecommuting the week of May 17-21!
And Portland Green Streets is co-sponsoringtheNational Bike to Work Day Party in Portland (May 21)! Bike in to Downtown that day and join the festivities from 7am to 2pmat Lobsterman Park in front of the Nickelodeon Cinema. There will be bike demos, food, prizes, a radio van, bike shops helping with fittings and checks, bike educators – and most importantly bike commuters and people who might want to try it out. Connect with group rides coming in from Westbrook, Falmouth, and South Portland.
Volunteer!
If you’d like to help Green Streets out at the National Bike to Work Day Party please click on this Doodle and let us know(just fill in your name and the time – no registration required) – we’d love to have you. Either way, hope you get to enjoy a bike ride that day and stop by our table to say hi if you can!
