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OCTOBER 2009

Events calendar

Here's a sampling from our online events calendar!


October 7
International Walk to School Day

October 13
Mia Birk from Portland speaks on bike boulevards

October 19
Introduction to Transit for Livable Communities

Oct. 22 - Nov. 5
Winter Bike Commuting and Maintenance

October 31
Halloween Bike Ride

November 14
Northstar Commuter Rail Grand Opening


Send us your events! events@smart-trips.org

 
Look safe & smart this fall



The number of excuses to not wear a helmet just got shorter. Too bad they aren't available in the US yet! more...

 
Quick links

Win tickets on the inaugural trip on the new Northstar rail line. more...

A sneak preview of what the new Hennepin Ave. in Minneapolis will look like. more...

TV contest for talented teens against texting & driving. more...

You may ask yourself, what would a perfect city look like? more...

For your next staycation, take a gangster history tour of St. Paul! more...

The Google tricycle. Coming to a city near you? more...

The world's coolest bus stops? more...

 
From Norway: Like a ski lift for bikes



We can think of a few places in St. Paul where we'd like to see one of these!  more...

 
What we're following

Why Can't She Walk to School? - New York Times

Mn/DOT Releases Complete Streets Study Draft - Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN

Twin Cities bike loan program to begin next April - Minnesota Public Radio

Free transit passes for Minneapolis students are success - Star Tribune

New 35W features opening to relieve congestion - Minnesota Public Radio

How to Get More Bicyclists on the Road (figure out what women want) - Scientific American



St. Paul Smart Trips logo
We're a non-profit that improves access and mobility for those who travel in and around St. Paul.

www.smart-trips.org


2009 Commuter Choice Awards are coming up


Kim Davis, Cindy Mellum and Viane Hoefs of TCF Bank

The annual Commuter Choice Awards recognize organizations and individuals for their creative solutions in promoting alternatives to driving alone. Concerns about congestion, high gas prices and air quality are prompting organizations to create programs that expand commuting options for their workers. We invite you to help us call attention to those efforts!


Save the date...

Tuesday, November 17
2009 Commuter Choice Awards
Bloomington Center for the Arts

It's not too late to nominate: Submit yours by FRIDAY, October 9.
View: Last year's nominees and winners.



Downtown St. Paul parking rate updates


Through a recent partnership with Allied Parking, we are again  providing the most comprehensive and current parking information for downtown St. Paul.

Download our printable parking guide, or use our online map to find the best solution for your needs. Discounted rideshare parking is available at participating ramps and lots.

Get the rates: View the current downtown parking rates
See what you could save: Calculate your driving expenses



Are you gonna go my way?



Search for a ride match anytime in October and you'll receive a $10 Holiday Stationstore gift card!


Metro Transit maintains a regional ridematching database with over 8,000 people - some of whom may already be going your way.

By creating a commuter account you'll get a list of matches and then be able to choose who you want to contact and who you want to try sharing the ride with.

New! Improved mapping tools (below) allow you to see the home and work locations of potential carpool or vanpool matches.








Get tips:
Eight gems of advice for forming a successful carpool



St. Paul workplaces recognized for flexibility


Representatives of U.S. Bank

Six organizations in St. Paul were awarded the prestigious national Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility at an event hosted late last month by local When Work Works volunteers and the eWorkPlace program.

2009 St. Paul Winners
  • Health Service Innovations
  • Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
  • Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network
  • Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota
  • U.S. Bank (pictured above)
  • Mahoney, Ulbrich, Christiansen & Russ PA

This is the first year this initiative was offered in the Twin Cities. The awards provide valuable insight into the organizations that are utilizing innovative policies to cut costs and retain employees during a down economy.

Learn more: When Work Works and eWorkPlace




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