Hello Helena!
This past week I had the pleasure to sit down with three of the city's transit minded citizens to discuss upcoming walking and cycling events in May and what it means moving forward as a community. MC Beeby, chair of the Helena Safe Routes to School Committee shared with us several exciting events:
1) This Saturday from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., May 5th (Cinco de Mayo!), at the Lazy Green Park across from Helena Middle School will be Recycle Your Cycle. This event is a bike swap, and an opportunity to register your bicycle with the Helena police department in case of theft. They will photograph the bike and record the serial number found on it and add it to their database. Feel free to stop by and peruse! There is no charge if you'd like to come and sell your wares or trade.
2) Bike to School Day: on May 9th students at local schools are encouraged to ride their bikes to school and see if it's something they enjoy. Officers will be on hand to direct traffic around the school and give out advice and encouragement for those who participate. This is part of the local Safe Routes to School effort.
Melinda took the mic next and shared some information about this month's Commuter Challenge! Here are the basics:
For the month of May there will be a city-wide contest to see what team can commute the most to and from work! Teams are usually organized by employer, but anyone is welcome to create their own team (you can only be on one). Register your team and record your mileage at bikewalkhelena.org. On the site you will also find perks! Local businesses will be giving discounts or free goodies if you support them and mention that you commuted. Just this past Tuesday I got a free taco from Taco del Sol for having walked to work (and the restaurant). Prizes will be handed out for the winning teams, but you will have to find out what they are for yourself.
Finally, Gail got on the waves and told us about a brand new commuter and recreation map for Helena. It was a cooperative effort that involved several of the city's agencies from the health department to NMTAC, the grants coordinator, GIS department, SAVE and Energy Corps, not to mention local graphic designers. On the map are trails, bus routes, local land marks, trail heads, and a wealth of information to help you move about on foot, bus or bike. Keep your eyes open for these beauties, as they will be hitting stores near you.
More information about the map and everything above can be found at one convenient location: bikewalkhelena.org
And let's not forget the playlist:
Silvio Rodriguez - Al Final de Este Viaje en la Vida
Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come
Dizzy Atmosphere - Track #2 (Untitled)
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights
Nujabes - Kumomi
RJF - Starving Artist
Bonobo - Between the Lines (feat. Bajka)
Little Joy - Don't Watch Me Dancing
