Archive: Around Town

The month of May showed Tompkins County’s positive support of Get Your GreenBack Tompkins. This community-based campaign challenges all residents and local businesses to take steps toward increased energy efficiency. The benefits are two-fold: save energy and money! During May, the campaign focused on transportation and got Tompkins County moving in the right direction.

In celebration of National Bike Month, local biking advocates organized Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 18 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Eight stations located throughout the city offered breakfast to participants in recognition of their healthy and economical transportation decision.

Nearly 400 residents took advantage of the opportunity. The Commons alone attracted 100 cyclists. To the surprise of many participants, the car-free commute proved not only enjoyable and rewarding but, perhaps more importantly, surprisingly convenient! As if breakfast was not enough, all participant cyclists were entered into a raffle for a tandem bicycle. Kathy Chapman, of Alpine, proved to be the lucky winner of the bicycle built for two. The tandem bike reminds residents that the more the merrier when it comes to making a difference in the community.

In response to the question of how often she rides her bicycle, Ms. Chapman replied, “Two times a week but never to Ithaca, this [was] my first time.” Her new bike leaves room for one more, but she will surely spread her new appreciation for a car-free lifestyle to many. May’s transportation focus for the Get Your GreenBack Tompkins campaign was not limited to Bike to Work Day, however.

As a matter of fact, Ithaca Carshare has taken part in the initiative by challenging residents to sell their cars and take part in the rising car-sharing movement. Through June 15, they are giving a one-year It's My Car memberships ($200 value) to people who sell a car and sign up for Ithaca Carshare. Participants must share a photo and car-free story with Ithaca Carshare. The top three stories will additionally receive a free, yearlong TCAT pass and an extra $200 in Ithaca Carshare driving credit.

Furthermore, Tompkins County has shown very favorable support of energy-efficient and inexpensive transportation alternatives. These options include commutes by bicycle, transit, ridesharing, and carsharing to name a few. After the success of May, Get Your GreenBack Tompkins can expect even greater support in the future.

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