Are You on the Move?

By Melanie Stewart

photo: freeimages.com/John Pilge 

Have you taken the Med Center on the Move challenge?  Med Center on the Move is a campaign encouraging Med Center employees/students to try taking an active mode of transportation for one of their commutes each week.

That’s it, just one trip per week!  You pick the day and the mode that works for you.

Whether it’s walking, taking the bus, biking, carpooling or a combination of modes, active transportation helps keep you healthier AND cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. This campaign aligns with the City of Omaha’s Midtown on the Move, an active transportation campaign for all of Midtown.

Using any of the 4 modes will save you money, allow you to fit exercise into your day and reduce pollution and traffic congestion in Omaha.

In addition to those benefits, if you sign up for TravelSmart* before July 1st you’ll have a chance to win a free bike tune-up at Ponderosa Cycles, a gym/travel bag, a Camelbak water bottle, a walk/bike safety light, a drawstring backpack, or a hot/cold beverage tumbler!

If you’re already a TravelSmartie, refer a coworker for a chance to win a 20-minute massage from the Wellness Center, walk/bike safety light, or zippered padfolio!  Make sure they give us your name while signing up.

*We encourage any employee or student to use active transportation.  However, please note that only employees and students at the 42^nd and Dewey campus are currently eligible for TravelSmart.

Did you know? TravelSmart offers….

• FREE parking for carpoolers (in your same lot!)
• FREE bus passes
• FREE indoor bike parking, shower, and locker access for cyclists and walkers
• FREE emergency ride home if needed
• FREE carpool matchingif you need help finding a carpool partner, and
• Convenient $3 daily-rate flexible parking.

Please note that you do NOT have to give up your current parking permit, nor do you need to use active transportation every day to participate in TravelSmart or see the financial benefits.

If you are interested in active commuting but don’t think it will work for you, contact me. I will be happy to help you with trip planning.  We have 1,600 people signed up for TravelSmart so far, so we know that moms and dad with kids, students and people with inconsistent schedules, and business professionals can all use TravelSmart.

It doesn’t have to work for you every day; even 1 day a week, can have a significant impact.