New bikes given to encourage alternate transportation

SPOKANE – Ten Spokane businesses now have an extra way to encourage their employees to try different forms of transportation: a shiny new bike. On Wednesday, the City of Spokane, Spokane County Commute Trip Reduction Office and Downtown Spokane Partnership presented 10 new bicycles to representatives from 10 companies as an additional method to encourage their employees to try alternative transportation. “It gives us another tool to boost people’s options,” said Spokane Mayor Mary Verner. “It will make it easier for people to make that choice to try different transportation methods.” The participating businesses are already part of local and state programs to promote alternative transportation, such as offering incentives for employees to take the bus, bike, walk or carpool. Verner said some employees who participate in these programs may still need extra transportation during the day, such as for appointments or errands. “I personally am excited,” she said. “It eliminates another obstacle for people not wanting to ride the bus, plus it’s great for the environment, great for health and great for the pocketbook.” The bikes are part of the Commute Smart-Travel Green program, which is funded by the Washington State Department of Transportation. The program specifically looks at communities around the state with a high concentration of jobs and housing – in Spokane, these areas include the downtown core and the university district. Ron Kusler, project administrator, said the program continues to grow and now organizers are able to reach out beyond just larger businesses to students, mixed-use buildings and more. The number of people trying alternative transportation rose dramatically in the last year, which led to the funds for extra programs like the bikes. “We have 700 more people in our core area now trying different transportation,” he said. “That’s 700 people with less stress from not driving.” Along with the bikes, the participating companies receive a helmet, lock and pump. To make the biking experience even easier, the city and Downtown Spokane Partnership will also be installing 10 bike racks through downtown. The racks are galvanized steel with a black powedercoated finish, which will also coordinate with new garbage cans and planters being installed through the area.