7/29/2009 2:51:00 PM Time to get moving in Magnolia Guest Column
By Lyon Terry
I am a walker. I am a biker. I am a bus rider. And, I am fortunate to live Magnolia where all of these activities are accessible, easy, and fun for my family and me.
Recently I have walked to Discovery Park to see birds, breath the air, and watch the kids at the playground. I have walked to Ballard over the locks to see art and go out to dinner. I have walked to the farmers market to get produce I can't seem to grow in my backyard. Last winter during the snowstorms, I walked to the Village where I purchased all the gifts that national retailers couldn't deliver. In fact, a walk to the Village is a fun way for me to run into people I know and to get some exercise. Usually it takes a little longer, but most of what I need is there, and I don't have to worry about parking or going to the gym later.
I have also biked to the village many times recently. The curb cuts around the Village are excellent for bikers who bike on the sidewalks. There are bike racks about every 50 yards on McGraw. I like biking to the village for errands with a backpack or trailer. I don't have to worry about double parking in front of the post office, paying for gas, finding a parking spot, or getting in a hot car when I do so.
A bike can take you to an amazing number of places on and off Magnolia. The bluff, Discovery Park and the locks are fun, easy and interesting bike rides. You can bike on the Pier 91 trail to downtown easily accessing places like Pike Place Market, the Sculpture Park (great beach), the aquarium, the stadiums (free bike parking), and Pioneer Square. If you work or run errands north of Magnolia then Ballard is easily accessible over the locks (remember to walk your bike). The Burke Gilman Trail continues from the locks all the way to Golden Gardens. A great trip.
The bus is another option many of us do not use frequently. I have run into Magnolia families who have never been on the bus before. Four bus routes serve Magnolia. The 19, 24 and 33 will take people downtown quickly and conveniently, especially when there is traffic on Elliott. The 31 takes Magnolians to Fremont, the U District and beyond. Sure, it takes a little bit of planning, but you can plan a trip easily at transit.metrokc.gov, and all buses have GPS units now so you can track buses right from home or your office.
All these trips I take without my car put me in my community. It is a great place to be. I help the lady down the block with her recycle bin. I know the gardens that look and smell great. I watch pumpkins grow. I meet dogs, and I meet new people. Not only that, I improve my health through walking, biking, and taking the bus. Imagine going to work, running errands, or dropping off kids while also working out. It is possible with a nice walk or bike ride in your neighborhood. You could skip the gym!
When you bike, walk, bus, or carpool to work or to run an errand once or twice a week, you will make a difference. The trip might take you a bit longer, but you will get exercise that you wouldn't ordinarily get (we all need that), you won't have to deal with traffic or parking, you will save yourself gas and wear on your car, and you will be doing your part to help abate the global climate crisis. Once you try it a few times, you might find it turns into a habit.
This summer and fall you can participate in Magnolia In Motion. Magnolia In Motion is a program sponsored by Sustainable Magnolia, King County Metro, The Department of Neighborhoods and the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce. The point of the event is to encourage people to use healthier travel options such as the bus, a carpool, a bike or your feet.
Three-thousand local residents will receive a free Magnolia Bus, Bike and Walk Map and information packet in the mail. Others can pick them up at local business sponsors, at SummerFest, or at the Sustainable Magnolia table at the farmers market. Everyone who pledges will receive 10 Metro Free Ride tickets. Plus, when you begin recording trips in which you left the car behind you will receive an in Motion tote bag. Twenty Magnolia businesses are Premier Sponsors of Magnolia In Motion. You can find the list of them on the mailer or at sustainablemagnolia.org. As the program progresses all participants will receive gift cards and coupons for discounts at these businesses.
The In Motion program has been conducted in 12 other neighborhoods around King County. Together, participants from these neighborhoods have saved 12,000 solo driving trips, 190,000 miles of driving, 9,000 gallons of gas and 180,000 pounds of CO2. To learn more about Magnolia In Motion and to sign up please visit kingcounty.gov/inmotion or sustainablemagnolia.org.
For your community. For your health. For your environment. Do your part.
Lyon Terry is the Co-Chair, with Becky Brauer, of Magnolia In Motion. You can reach them at inmotion@sustainablemagnolia.org. Sustainable Magnolia's mission is to educate and actively engage citizens to help mitigate the climate crisis and to promote a sustainable quality of life in our community. sustainablemagnolia.org
