December 4 – METRO “Stuff a Bus”
METRO is collecting new, unwrapped books and toys for children in need. The first 100 people to donate a gift on December 4 will receive a FREE bottle of Capt’s Eli’s Root Beer. METRO “Stuff A Bus” is part of Portland Downtown District’s month-long holiday celebration. For a schedule of events, visit portlandmaine.com or stop by participating stores. METRO Pulse, Elm Street in Portland – 11:30 am. – 5:30 p.m.
December 5 – East End Holiday Stroll
More than 25 local businesses are participating in the East End’s second annual Holiday Stroll. Find out more at eastendshops.com; 11 am – 6 pm
SAVE THE DATE: January 9 – Portland Bike Forum
On Saturday, January 9th, the City of Portland will be holding a bicycle planning forum to brainstorm recommendations for making Portland and even friendlier city for biking. The morning will start with a couple of presentations and then divide into groups focussed on areas of concern. Then all attendees will come back together to decide on a 2010 strategy. Location will be City Hall - room to be assigned based on # of attendees; 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Weekly Bike Maintenance Classes from Gorham Bike & Back Bay Bicycle
Every Thursday there are bike maintenance & mechanic classes at Gorham Bike & Ski (flat tire workshop) and Back Bay Bicycle (flat tire workshop alternating with drive train maintenance). Check their sites for class time and other info.
Enter Now to Win Custom Built Bike! Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s 2009 Super Raffle
The winner will receive a handmade, custom Maine bicycle valued at more than $3,500. Additional information is available on their Web site http://www.bikemain e.org/superraffle.htm
Discounted Bike Racks for Your Location from GO MAINE
A new program to promote bike parking is here. Through Bike Racks for ME, communities, businesses and organizations can purchase bike racks at a serious discount, just 20% of retail cost. Contact GO MAINE today for information and an application form.
Commuter Stories Shared Through GO MAINE
Check out GO MAINE superstars and their stories. These are videos of Maine commuters and their experiences on the road to work, in carpools, vanpools, the bus, and on bike and foot. View them now! Plus, find GO MAINE on Facebook and share your commuting stories…
AMTRAK Downeaster Specials
LAST CHANCE: Holiday Shopper Special – Boston bound shoppers enjoy 50% off round-trip travel on the Downeaster on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November. Reservations must be made by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL or at the Portland Transportation Center (open 5:15am- 3:30pm M-F and 5:30am- 5:00pm Sa-Su). Reference promo code v504, authorized by NNEPRA.
College 6Tix – Going home for the holidays? Purchase a College 6TIX pass and get six one-way trips on the Amtrak Downeaster for just $76. Advanced reservations are not required with the 6TIX pass. Just show up when convenient and ride.
The Downeaster is currently offering 50% off the price of any Downeaster ticket for senior citizens (62+) and folks with disabilities. The discount can be used any day of the week and on any Downeaster train. To take advantage of this discount, travelers must use discount code V543 and must reserve their tickets at least three days in advance. Seniors will need to show proof of age; disabled folks will need to show a Medicare card or other proof of disability status. Disabled individuals can book tickets over the phone or at a staffed ticket window, due to a limitation in Amtrak’s web site - for contact and station information click here. All in all, this is a fabulous discount and a great way for seniors and disabled folks to get out, enjoy the summer, and leave the car at home!
Your Advice Needed – How to Make U.S. Roads Safer for Bicyclists & Pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants your opinion on how it can make roadway travel in the US safer for all road users – drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists! NHTSA is currently in the process of preparing a strategic plan that will guide its safety efforts for the next 5 years and beyond. The agency is seeking suggestions, ideas, and comments from you on what it can do to reduce the number of people killed or injured each year on our Nation’s roadways. Please be sure to visit www.regulations.gov and answer the questions posed under docket number NHTSA-2009-0171. To learn more about NHTSA, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Speak up! Help save lives! And, remember to always buckle up on every trip. Every time!
Bring a U Car Vehicle to Munjoy Hill!
Car Sharing is a wonderful way to save money (get rid of your other car!) while having the convenience of a car when you need it – and you only pay for the time you’re actually using it. U Car Share (run by U Haul) pays EVERYTHING, including gas, maintenance, and insurance. Rate for a Chrysler PT Cruiser is $9.50 per hour, or $66 per day. It’s wonderful service! If you live on the East End in Portland get your membership application fee waived for a limited time. Log in at www.ucarshare.com to sign up anduse this promotional code: MUNJOYHILL. If enough East Enders join, the company will locate a car close by. For more information, contact Peter Alexander at 773-4606.
Sign in now (click here) – Please take a minute to sign in now (and every month!) if you plan to walk, bike, take public transit, carpool, and/or telecommute this Green Streets Day – Friday, Nov 27th. Signing in helps us see our growing numbers as we become a greener city.
Portland Green Streets is organized by coordinators