Summer in Seattle could arrive any day now (no really, it’s almost July!) and it’s a great time to get outside and get active. Whether you’re new to Seattle or sight-seeing with out-of-town guests, the best way to see the city isn’t through the windshield of a car whizzing down the highway but from the perspective of your own two feet. Taking the time to walk to the grocery store, to your job, or to grab a bite with friends is an awesome way to really get to know your city and to get a little exercise while you’re at it. Walking not only allows you to slow down and see your city from a new perspective, but it also saves the environment and may improve your health.
And your feet aren’t only good for walking – for a change, add some pedal power to your daily routine. This is the time for all you fair-weather folks to dust off that old Schwinn and gear-up for a summer of cycling. Seattle is Washington’s only gold-rated bike friendly city (awarded by the League of American Cyclists) and offers trails and bike lanes to make it easy to get around and more difficult for you to make excuses not to.
For those of you who want a little more horsepower in your lives, hopping on a bus or using light rail is another great way to see the city. Think about it: most buses and light rail use the major streets to get around and often travel through the most visited areas of our city. Not sure where to eat tonight? Take the bus and pick a new restaurant as your watch from the window, or ask a fellow rider for a recommendation. Simple, fun, and you never have to worry about parking.
Sign up NOW for SDOT’s Walk Bike Ride Challenge program to get yourself motivated to get active! All you have to do is take the pledge to swap two trips per week that you would normally take by car with a trip by foot, bike, or transit and log your miles online. The more trips you log, the more chances you have to win some great prizes – including an electric bike, a night at the Pan Pacific Hotel and more! Lots of trips we take are two miles or less, which lots of opportunities to try something new! Your participation helps create a more livable Seattle and a more healthful you. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Sign up for the challenge today.